Friday, March 28, 2008

Done with drive- thrus

I did follow my plan last week and found myself getting up from the computer more often to stretch my stiffening joints and muscles. Guess what? It worked. My body moved better all week, even after my walks. This week I’m going to add even more activity, not by increasing the time I spend exercising, but by being more active during the day.
Instead of asking my husband to get the mail, I will walk across the street to pick it up. I will park farther away from the grocery store entrance and cover more ground just getting to the door. I will dance more often with my daughter.
Sure, these are simple ways to build in more movement, yet they are just as easily avoided thanks to drive-thru windows, door-to-door deliveries and on-line ordering. On tough days when I’m hurting, I love those conveniences. But there are many days when I simply rely on them because it’s easy and I’m lazy.
So, I’ll make more of an effort to move. Starting now.
I’m off to Target. Raindrops are bouncing off the windows and walkways and the thought of taking the long way through the parking lot to the front door isn’t appealing. But I’ll do it anyhow. Hey, maybe I’ll even jump a couple of puddles.

--What about you? What tips, tricks, strategies do you use to keep moving today and everyday?

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Gotta keep moving

One byproduct of living a more active life is that I’m also stiffer. Mornings have always been stiff and slow, but now after a half-hour of activity or exercise, I creak like the Tin Man. I think that
is primarily because once I get moving, I don’t keep moving.

After a hot shower following my morning walk, I feel strong and agile. But then I grab a cup of coffee and settle in behind the computer where I write for three or four hours a day and I tighten up.

Fitness trainers encourage everyone, with or without arthritis, to spend a few minutes every hour stretching. Loosen your neck and shoulders, stretch the calves and work the hamstrings. Muscles and joints that don’t move – atrophy. I get it. Yet I fail to do it. I get caught up in what I’m working on and think about stretching only after I can’t stand up to do it. This week, I’ve posted a reminder on my computer. Note to self: Get up, Stretch, Move – Do Something.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Taking time out

In this blog I’ve mostly written about adding exercise to my life, but that is only one of many small changes I’m making en route to a healthier lifestyle. I’m also taking more time for myself – a toughy when you have a career and a family. A necessity when you have arthritis.

It used to be that when my daughter would go down for her nap, I’d prepare some aspect of dinner, do the dishes, fold the laundry or go back to my desk and work on the next assignment. There was rarely any downtime and I felt guilty when I actually took time for myself. I’ve changed that and it’s probably the best change I’ve made so far.

Now, during her naps, I do something I want to do. Yesterday, I sat around and watched the Food Network. Usually I read a book. Sometimes, when I feel like cooking, I’ll do some dinner prep. If my body needs rest, I cuddle into the overstuffed chair and read or take a short nap.

But by the time my daughter is awake my body feels rested and my soul feels lighter.

Still, there I times I feel a little guilty and I justify why the clothes didn’t get folded or the dishes put away. For so long I’ve identified accomplishment with productivity. But I realize now, I actually accomplish more during the day and I’m a whole lot easier to live with when I have had some time to myself -- when I've taken time just to rest my body and reconnect with my soul. And that payoff means more to my family than a pile of folded laundry.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Official Gym Member

I did it....I joined a gym FINALLY! It is such a relief to have that crossed off my to do list. As I mentioned in a previous post I was initially discouraged with my options. I joined a gym that is roughly 25 minutes from my home and 2 times as much money as what I was paying in Phoenix. Although it was tough to swallow financially, it's exciting to finally have an exercise outlet again. I moved to the area 3 months ago and I have been going crazy without my yoga/pilates.

I am really pleased with the class times offered for yoga/pilates. It allows me to put in a hard days work, get to the gym at a decent time and be home afterwards to be able to accomplish other things such as wedding planning, etc. My days are definitely jam packed, but I have been doing a really great job at time management...finally!

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Creating healthy habits

I’ve spent some time wondering, and at times, worrying about whether my 22-month old daughter would inherit my rheumatoid arthritis. Perhaps, I’m worrying about the wrong thing. Because while chances are slim that she will take on a share of the disease, odds are much higher that she will pick up at least some of my behaviors and beliefs, for better or worse.

When I pounded the table in mock horror this week after something my husband said, I watched my little girl do the same. Of course I didn’t spill a bowl of yogurt when I did my pounding, but then, she’s just learning. When I raised my hands over my head and shouted yeah. She did the same.

Each day, she is reflecting back my behaviors and attitudes and adding a few of her own. So, I’m more aware now, that I must set a good example.

And, that’s become a motivator on the days when I struggle to exercise. With the right attitude and effort, perhaps I can show her that daily physical activity and exercise is not only important, but fun. Maybe in her, I can instill the habits I never had so that a healthy lifestyle is simply the norm and not a struggle to achieve.

Most of the time when I head out the door for my walk, I’m pushing my daughter in the stroller in front. We see the birds, and the doggies, and yesterday, the rocks caught our attention. But I hope she sees too, that movement is part of our daily life.

I’m making a commitment to my health. But with these changes I’m also making a commitment to her that I will be healthy and active and strong for as long as possible. Exercise is part of my routine now – and that’s one habit I’m hoping she’ll pick up.