Monday’s Diet Journal, Old Dilemmas, 2/15/10
What was I thinking? Who was I waiting for to walk the walk to match the talk? Within each day lies an opportunity to express fully the vision that lies within my heart and yet I get caught in such notorious dilemmas. One of my old dilemmas is whether I actually have time to exercise and to take my health into consideration or stay buried in the chores of the day. All of us know that the chores of the day lay waiting for us whether or not we do them now or tomorrow. They are always going to be there. The catch is how to bring balance to each individual day so that body, mind, and spirit all have their needs met.
Notice I stated this as “one of my old dilemmas.” I’m hoping that means I’m putting it into my past. I don’t know about you but I can get caught doing all sorts of healthy routines regarding my dietary needs such as eating really healthy foods and adding necessary supplements, yet I can be miserably lacking in energy when it comes to stretching the muscles of my body or doing something aerobic like walking a mile or three. For the past three weeks I have actually been achieving my goal of including exercise into my weekly, if not daily routine. I’m now hopeful that I am conquering the old excuses as I see my mini-routines picking up.
One tactic I’m finding invaluable is eliminating the story that to exercise I need to set aside a large lump of time. I can get up in the morning; spend 20 minutes in centering prayer or meditation and then 15-20 minutes doing yoga. I used to think including yoga meant that I wouldn’t have time for prayer. That was unacceptable to me. But now that I’ve let go of the thought that yoga has to take 40 minutes to an hour I see I can include both. Previously I thought my walks had to be a good long hour or so to make a difference. Now I am allowing 15-30 minutes and doing it more often. Sometimes even twice in a day!
I’m now finding it so much easier to get the exercise I need by adding short 5-minute routines as well. One great little cardio strengthening routine is to simply stand with my feet shoulder length apart and begin to swing my arms back and forth. I can do this for 5 to 10 minutes or I can add some foot work for variation and a heartier workout; such as come up on my heels for a time and then when ready I can begin jumping off the ground with the momentum of my swinging arms. I’m telling you this simple little movement really gives the lungs a work out too not to mention moving the lymph system.
What’s working for you? How are you managing this part of the diet dilemma?
Connect