I think we can all agree that we have a list of these things we 'have' to do in life. I have to workout, I have to eat healthy, I have to drink water, etc., etc., etc., - the list is daunting. Two years ago, I wasn't necessarily overweight but I had extra weight and I definitely needed to exercise, I never had enough sleep, and I fueled my body with a poor choice of food and drink...I was miserable.

I get it - because I've been there. After a long day at work you are drained and the last thing you want to do when you get home (along with cooking dinner, taking care of kids, and household chores) is worry about all the things you need to do for you.

The key to achieving a healthy lifestyle is prioritizing yourself and your body's needs. What does that mean? Well, if you have children - getting up before them to go bike or walk on the treadmill, then making yourself a fueling breakfast. In the evening, once the kids are in bed and chores are done - prioritizing self-care and establishing a nighttime routine that will help you sleep better and longer.
I've discussed this before on the blog, but to be happy + healthy in any relationship (spousal, mother/father, friendship, etc.) you have to prioritize yourself first. It's not selfish, it's necessary. How can you give to others if you yourself have nothing left to give? #foodforthought

Okay, so we've established that you need to take steps to live your best, and healthy life. But how?
One thing at a time. One thing I've learned from the Hollis team is, "You have to create habits out of all the things that are good for you."

1. Walk Or Exercise | You have to find a way to move your body. Last year, I had an incredibly stressful job. I worked 80-90 hour weeks, never slept, ate like crap, and had no energy, but one thing I consistently did was walk everyday. That walk turned into running and eventually that run became the one thing I looked forward to each day because it was time for me. I needed that time, craved it actually, and never let anything get in the way of that time. Lucky for me, I had a boss who was very understanding because he was the same way.

• In the beginning, take it slow. If you are starting from ground zero challenge yourself to walk 3x a week. Then move it 5x a week. Then incorporate other exercises - you will be surprised at how much your body longs for that time of moving! 

2. Drink More Water | We all know this is no secret...so what's the secret to drinking more water?

• Buy a tumbler/water bottle/jug that you love to drink out of. 
• Drink lemon water 
• Set a challenge to drink 2 water bottles a day, then 3, then 4. 

3. Try New Recipes + Eat Your Vegetables | I can't say that I love cooking, I think rather, cooking for one is not fun. It's challenging because I never branched out to try new recipes because I always had so much leftover. This year I made a conscious effort to meal prep better and/or really enjoy the meals I was making.

• If you're sick of eating the same thing, it's time for something new. I could barely eat chicken anymore so I now eat mostly fish and love it. When I get tired of the same fish, I try something new, there is no substitute for chicken in my opinion so fish provides me a wide array of options. I'm actually have crab tonight...yum! 
• Eat your veggies. This one is easier for me in that broccoli and sweet potatoes are easily my favorite food...then it's chocolate or Chick-Fil-A lol. I can devour a veggie tray! You have to find a way to eat food that will energize you. Blend it up in a smoothie, mix it in with your meals, eat the ones you do like - just something! 

4. Consistent Sleep Schedule | Once our stay-at-home orders started, I really buckled down on my sleep schedule. 10pm is my bedtime, I will go to bed before on occasion but I know that if it's after 10 pm then I will struggle the next day. Fridays and Saturdays are usually later but I also sleep in until 7am so I get about the same amount. The

• To implement a bedtime routine I used "Bedtime" on my clock app in my iPhone. It sounds silly but I would set the time I needed to go to bed and followed this bedtime for weeks until I didn't need it anymore. 
• To get up earlier (to provide myself more time in the morning for me) I would turn my alarm up 10 minutes each week until I reached the desired time to get up. I also set two alarms sometimes, the first "wakes" me up but allows me 15 minutes to pull myself up and out of bed and second is "you need to get up now." 
• I find that reading before bed is much better for me than being on my phone. Once I'm upstairs for the night, I enforce the rule that my phone remains plugged in and I stay off it. This has helped me fall asleep easier! 

5. Your Self-Care Deserves A Moment | It wasn't until the middle of last year that I truly decided to make myself a priority. I take time to ensure my headspace is clear, I meditate or spend time journaling/prayer, I do face masks and hair masks and paint my nails, I bake myself protein brownies and indulge on my cheat day. If I need a break, I take a break. Regardless of what family ship you are running you have to take a break too.
I used to be the person that ran myself into the ground. Yes, I still work like crazy and am adding on new things weekly but I've established habits that all around lend me to living a healthier lifestyle, more importantly - I put myself first. No one else is going to prioritize you (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, forever, etc.), it's up to you to ensure your basic needs are met. Once they are - you will be unstoppable!