Two weeks ago, I received clearance from my doctor to get serious about my postpartum health and exercise journey. Check out my first post here.
As many of you have read, I recommend setting goals for your wellness and fitness journey that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals (Living Wellness for Growth Groups, p. 17). I've recently decided to make it my goal to be back to pre-baby shape and size by Thanksgiving. That gives me about 3 months from now (5 months since baby was born)--Just in time to make a new plan to get through the holidays, healthy- and with a new baby! My point in blogging this journey is not to keep a digital journal, but rather give you inspiration AND to receive encouragement as well. I have been thrilled with your response from my first post-- please keep your stories coming! I want to hear about your struggles and progress.
I'm happy to report I HAVE made a little progress these past two weeks, but progress nonetheless! Here's what I've been up to, I hope this inspires you, wherever you're at in your health journey.
Steps that has worked for me:
- Being mindful and inviting God into my health journey (last blog post)
- Exercising every single day, even if it's just for a few minutes. I found that if I do these exercises right before bed, I actually do them. Focusing on deep breathing a proper posture calms me down rather than riling me up right before bed. When baby is playing on the floor, I often run through the Living Wellness for Growth Groups exercises (full body exercises, stretches, and foam-rolling ideas on p. 251-256) right next to him!
- Playing a recreational sport. Sticking my toes in the sand, soaking up sunshine, and laughing with friends is therapeutic AND healthy!
Steps that have not worked:
- Weighing myself too often. I'm more focused and less stressed when I use the scale sparingly.
- Going clothes shopping prior to making significant progress (aka last week, aka bad idea, aka I'll wait until Thanksgiving)
Action steps for the next two weeks:
- Get accountability partner—I need someone to check in with me EVERY SINGLE DAY. Someone who won't let me make excuses or forget to check in for a week. I have a plan to get that rolling this week (hubby is actually good at not letting me make excuses).
- Track my food intake in an app (I think I'll use myfitnesspal). I'm not going to restrict any calories right now while I'm nursing, but I want to have an accurate account of how much I'm eating every day.
- Find joy in the journey! I’m not beating myself up or shutting myself down. I’m practicing better health, not trying and failing.
Two weeks goes so fast! Make one SMART goal and give it your best shot. I look forward to your stories, challenges, and successes—and I’ll check back with my own progress in two weeks!
Blessings friends!
Ashley Darkenwald
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses or disease. Please always check with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional or fitness program or before making any nutritional/fitness changes.