So far January with all the rules that I am putting on myself is going well.
Yes, I know, its funny how we humans like to go all out at one point in time, and then have all the restrictions in the next. But whatever works right?
I intend my life to get back to be normal next month. These restrictions is also my way of self-knowing that I can do with less. That I can control my impulses when I put my mind to it.
So, when I say January, I mean once the holidays are over. So its not even a whole month. But it has been a week. And it has been smooth enough. I am not much surprised, but maybe just a tiny bit.
Here is what I am doing:
No alcohol
This is easy for me because I am a very occasional drinker, and stop at one glass most times. So no sweat there!
No caffeine
This one was not on the charts. But then I found out that the circulation problem I have in my fingers in the winter might benefit from restricting caffeine. That means I am replacing my morning coffee with decaf, because I do love coffee and do not want to replace that yet! The upside to this is that I am sleeping better, and maybe a little bit more too? Since my afternoon cat naps always seem to happen? I do like this a lot! Side Note: Because I don’t have coffee for the first 2 hours or so after waking up, my body is not dependent on caffeine in the mornings, and I am SO thankful for that!!
No desserts or the usual evening chocolate square
Again, not hard at all. If I just say a firm no when offered, my mind is no more into it and moves on- WIN!
No peanuts
This one is probably the hardest! I love me a handful of peanuts with my afternoon herbal tea as I sit down to read blogs before getting busy in the kitchen. But just to reduce calories, and to make sure it’s not an addiction that I am forming, there are no peanuts in the afternoon, just tea. I do look at the jar in my kitchen and feel the pull. But after than momentary want, my brain kicks in and says, soon enough. So this one is a tiny bit harder than the others.
Walking outside for 45 minutes 2-3 times a week
I seriously thought I may have to skip this one because its SO VERY COLD, and I hate being cold. BUT, once I dress up for it and step outside, I actually love it! I take my ear phones with me, but have not felt the need to listen to anything. I just enjoy the walk outside so much. And when I don’t have the time and look outside, I am actually feeling the pull to go out. Now, to be fair, I am not a fan of walking in the dark. Especially in winter. So having to make time in the day time is hard. But when I do, I enjoy it immensely. Oh the magic of walking…
So this is my list. For the rest of the month. And so far, great! Let’s see how many of these habits do I carry forward.
I do think doing these restrictions once in a while gives us the strength of confidence knowing we are capable of hard things. And also, sometimes lead to life long changes. A friend of mine who did Dry January annually, gave up alcohol completely after one fine Dry January. And she’s very happy for that change in her life.
So in my quest to be a bit more healthier after my indulgences during the holidays, I am finding out I am stronger than I thought (who knew I could do a 100 lunges at the end of my usual workout?!).