I want to share a story with you. Grab a cuppa and settle in . . .
I have been a member of my gym for a few years now on and off plus breaks for lockdown etc. I wanted to get back into it as I was feeling like I could easily stay at home with my dogs all the time. Plus I was feeling frumpy and my clothes were more than snug, so I thought it was time to get back out there and face my issues and start being the change I wanted to make.
So after a few days of dragging myself out of bed and to the gym, I still wasn’t feeling it. The gym just wasn’t where I wanted to be.
Don’t get me wrong I did feel better after, but I wasn’t filling me with joy even though I bought new gym gear to make myself feel good.
I may go back and do some workouts in there again soon but for now I have found my favourite exercise.
I remembered I preferred the pool and I love swimming. I’ve been going now for the past 5 weeks and I think I’ve finally established a habit.
The first week I wore my old swimsuit which wasn’t the most flattering but I didn’t let that stop me. I could have put it off and waited for my new one but I showed up and swam !
I am now sporting my new bravissimo costume that is most flattering and gives me more confidence as it holds all my wobbly bits in nicely.
I have gradually built up my lengths over the past few weeks, I don’t count the lengths personally I go by time, so 20 minutes then built up to longer sessions and do what I can.
I swim with a purpose using long slow but sure movements pushing my arms out and kicking my legs I can feel the bingo wings tightening and my body getting firmer.
When I go early in the morning, the pool is quiet and the sun glistens on the water, it’s so peaceful. I sometimes visualise a mountain lake while I swim.
I find swimming a rhythmic meditative exercise, it helps me clear my head and mentally plan the rest of my day. It is a lovely start to the day and I’m glad I persevered and stuck to my early morning routine, as it now feels natural to get up and go, I actually wake up automatically now.
They have a jacuzzi and a steam room too, so its like a mini spa day before work. I make it special so it feels less like a chore a more for the good of my health and selfcare. I take my nice shampoos and cleansers and a big soft towel so it’s a luxury experience. I put my body cream on and make up and dry my hair it all just runs smoothly now so long as I get my bag ready the night before, and make the intention to go.
I can already feel my body toning up slowly but surely and my energy levels and mobility have improved. I have made tweaks to my diet to fuel my brain and body as I think I may be perimenopausal, so need all the help I can get. I take my vitamins and collagen supplement and have a great skincare routine as you would expect. I make sure I am looking after myself even though my days are full I fit it in because it is so important.
So why am I telling you all this ?
The moral of this story is to help you see windows of time that you may not have considered yet to carve some time for yourself.
This can be used to do something just for you.
Whatever makes you happy.
You need to make yourself a priority right now !
Even if you start with small things such as sitting down with your morning coffee instead of grabbing it and rushing around, maybe try meditating for 5 minutes, this can be just deep breaths nothing too complicated or woo woo. I know you may have a rush on a morning getting the kids ready, but wherever you find 5 minutes try to enjoy it.
Maybe try a gentle yoga class or a nice walk.
Why not book that massage after all your shoulders can’t take much more !
You don’t have to do anything too drastic, I just wanted to remind you of how awesome you are and that you should be looking after yourself.
Have fun and let me know how you get on I would love to hear your stories.
If you need any advice or want to have a chat get in touch.
