With 2021 being more than half way over, I wanted to reflect on 2020-2021. This meant reflecting on everything I’ve been doing differently to change my life, and improve my overall health. Pre-pandemic, I was on a mission to improve my mental and physical health. I’m happy to say throughout last year, and into this year I have stayed focused on my priorities. These past two years have been chaos, to say the least. Something I have been passionate about, is staying grounded in the midst of it all. I have been working my butt off to focus on myself, my goals and what is to come. Today, I wanted to get real and share with you all the things I’ve been doing to improve my overall health, and wellbeing. It’s been awhile since I’ve shared my daily life, so here it goes….
Back in 2020, I decided I wanted to dive into my health a little deeper. I’m all about keepin’ it real in this space, and honestly, I needed a change. 202o bit us all in the butt, to say the least. I needed to try other remedies to improve my overall health and wellness, and what I found was acupuncture and chiropractic visits. I was so hesitant to try acupuncture, because I thought it would hurt. Needless to say, I was wrong. The needles are so thin, that you barely feel the acupuncturist putting them in. I did about 10-15 sessions last year, and I noticed a HUGE shift in my sleep schedule, my cycle, and so much more… I could write a novel on it. I also paired my acupuncture sessions with regular chiropractic visits. I will say… I have never felt more “present” with my body since doing acupuncture and chiro visits. Now, I find myself reaching for my acupressure mat, and going to chiropractic visits when needed.
Last year, and this year, I decided I needed to reduce my screen time. I truly felt like Instagram was sucking the life out of me. Social media has truly become a comparison breeding ground, and I’m just not here for it. Recently, I put screen time limits on my phone, unfollowed a ton of accounts, and it’s helped tremendously. I want to be a present wife, daughter, and friend. I do not want to be that friend, or stranger starring at their phone while out to lunch with their friends. I want to be fully present, in the moment, and 100% engaged in my own life. I’m definitely not saying social media is bad in the slightest, what I am saying is that I have greatly cut back on screens overall. I want to spend more time outdoors, doing the things I love, and being fully present.
Checking on your priorities is SO helpful. I’m constantly telling my friends and families to check on your priorities. I might sound naggy- but it’s so true! When you’re not aligned with your priorities, you tend to drift off. This could look like spending hours scrolling on social media or finding yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say no. Making a hard list of what your priorities in the season you’re in, is key. You may have to edit your list from time to time, and that’s normal. I found myself doing things that didn’t align with my goals, or what I wanted to be doing on my days off from school. Be sure to check in with yourself, and keep your goals at the forefront of your brain.
Raise your hand if you wake up, and hit the ground running, before prioritizing your own needs…. I’ll wait. I am that girl. As soon as I wake up, productivity is my focus. I want to get things done, and get started immediately (I’m your typical Aries woman) I do not procrastinate, my problem is I do not stop until I get everything done. Lately, I have found myself waking up and running around without drinking water, coffee, or eating anything until 10am. I owe it to myself to take it slow, relax, and take care of my own needs first. I’ll say it all the time to others, but never to myself: it’s not selfish to put yourself first. So, what I’ve been slowly working on is to slow my roll, prioritize balanced meals, and adequately hydrating myself. Making sure you’re taken care of first, is not selfish.
2020 was a world-wind for everyone. Prior to the pandemic, I had found a wonderful therapist. I met with her regularly, and then slowly tapered down to as needed. Therapy is truly incredible, and I believe everyone needs it. There is nothing wrong with seeking a counselor, or a therapist. Everyone can benefit from therapy or counseling. Therapy for me, has definitely helped me improve in so many ways. Therapy has shifted my outlook tremendously. I’ve always seen myself as dumb, incapable and just overall, in a negative light. Therapy for me, has been totally life changing. If you’re looking for a life changer, therapy is the name of the game!
I gained my love and passion for writing from journaling, when I was a young girl. Journaling is so cathartic for me, and helps me through tough emotions and feelings. When I was younger I would spend HOURS writing short stories, and that’s something I haven’t quite gotten back to. Instead of short stories, I find myself journaling and pouring all my thoughts onto paper. Something that has been a focus for me, is reflection. I tend to do monthly reflections. I look at my master calendar, and reflect on everything I’ve done that month. I’ll then spend time asking myself, “what can I do differently to improve next month?” and so on. Reflection is a powerful tool to use when trying to improve.
What have you done differently lately that has helped you improve overall? Share with me!
