25 July 2007

Offline Life

Routines
I have been busy offline lately. I felt my Internet usage was becoming a little invasive in my life and whilst having a bit of a stock take of the things I do with my time, prompted by some personal growth reading on Steve Pavlina and Craig Harper's sites I must admit. I have rearranged my routines to work better for me and have spent less time online as a result. I am feeling pretty good about it to be honest.
Exercise
As it is winter here in Australia, I have been struggling for the past month or so, to get up at 6.00 and do my 20 minutes on the stepper. I had all kinds of excuses, my heart monitor battery needed replacing, it was too cold, I had the flu. I would do it for a few days and then stop. So I solved this dilemma this week by doing 30 minutes after work. I am now getting up guilt free in the morning and not resisting getting out of bed so much because I know I have done my exercise the night before. I will probably go back to mornings when it gets a little lighter and warmer in the mornings. I am pleased this is working now, as life has become easier. Why didn't I think of it earlier?
Housework and Lunch
As I am not squeezing exercise into my mornings, or avoiding exercise to be more honest, I've been able to make a healthy lunch to take to work and tidy the house before I go to work. When I get home, I do a couple of chores before exercising and it's really satisfying to come home to a tidy house.
Bedtime
I am going to bed at the same time at night, even though I'm not always getting up earlier to exercise. I read a little longer and get a bit more sleep. I really believe enough sleep is a really important ingredient in a busy life. I can't function if I don't get it.
Treats
I have also been going to the movies once a week, because I love film and have decided to make the time for myself. It has improved my level of cheerfulness. I feel like I am treating myself well and I'm happier. It's a simple thing really and I'm amazed at the difference it has made.
Over to You
I haven't bored you with all my little routine changes just for the fun of it. I reflected today about how much happier I have been this week and wondered if this wasn't worth sharing with others. A few simple changes might be enough to snap you out of a bout of winter blues, or get you back on track.

2 comments:

Harmony Sweetpea said...

I definately agree that it is hard to get up and exercise in winter. I have sort of given up. Not good at all... and winter here in Australia is not even that cold. Although I still think its freezing... even in QLD!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the comments Jaycee and Harmony sweetpea. It's great to find something that works and I'm glad you have Jaycee. I think that's how I started exercising in the morning - to fit in with the kids. My daughters at Uni and my son's 17, so I have just realised I don't have to work around them so much!