In this post, I want to give a specific update on my fitness journey over the past month. To be honest, it has not been super straightforward, with things differing every week and other activities and plans popping up throughout the last few weeks of the semester. I’m starting to realize that this is normal. It’s hard to get into a routine when things change every week, with a lot of field trips coming up, and my work schedule has changed a bit due to spring break.

Over the past month, I have worked out at the gym (including weights and treadmill), gone for outdoor walks, and been for a few swims on the weekends. This has been great for adding a little more variety to my workouts, especially with swimming. I really want these workouts to be more consistent because some weeks I do more than others.

I think the biggest struggle I’m having right now is motivation, but primarily it’s time and energy. I want to be more active, but my current schedule is so busy that even when I have a few spare hours, I often spend them resting rather than working out. I think this could be changed by switching up some daily habits. I need to start going to sleep earlier to get the proper rest so I can function throughout the day and have the energy I need. This would help with my overall health and wellness if I feel rested and ready for each day. I can also begin to change my eating habits, as right now I often skip meals or do not eat on a regular schedule. These are the two biggest habits I can start changing that will help me overall, especially in my fitness/health journey.

Right now, I want to use SMART goals for achieving these 2 habit changes.

Sleep:

S: Going to bed earlier by starting a wind-down routine

M: Get in bed by 10:30 pm (if working till 10 or 10:30, in bed by 11:30

A: Start shifting bedtime earlier by 15-20 minutes

R: Better sleep = feeling better overall

T: Work towards this throughout the next three weeks before practicum starts

Eating:

S: Improve eating habits by making better daily choices

M: Eat at least 1 fruit or veggie with meals every day and limit eating out/ buying takeout

A: Focus on adding good foods in rather than cutting everything out

R: Will help with energy, mood and overall health

T: Work towards this throughout the next three weeks before practicum starts

I will continue to work on these habits, as they contribute to my overall health and the exploration of my fitness journey! The next post will wrap up and connect my overall learning to my practicum!