Getting Back on Track | Health and Wellness for Me

Life lately has been absolute insanity… between work travel for Jeff and myself, hectic school days and getting back into the routine of a set schedule, gone on the weekends, planning for our upcoming home reno and move, well — you get the jist. Suffice to say, my workouts, health and wellness, and diet have taken a backseat for the past month and it’s crazy to see how much it affects me.. my attitude, sleep, eating habits, stress levels and anxiety, basically everything is out of whack and I promised myself it was time to change.

I think this world of blogging and social media can be challenging at times, but it’s also a great way to reflect… what works in my life, when I’m happiest, and when I need a swift kick in the a$$ to get motivated and back to making it work! This time, I am vowing to try to set aside time for myself… genuine time for ME so that I can tackle goals for my health and fitness as well as ways to stay better balanced.

As of last week, I started working out early in the mornings again and I can already tell a difference in my productivity, my stress levels and my ability to start the day out right. I’m trying to make it there three days a week, so it’s an attainable goal… let’s face it, I’m not going every single day so I’ll start there and see what happens.

I had some peeps asking me about my daily schedule so I hope to assemble an updated “day in the life” type post soon so you can see how my days are structured. Let me know if you have any specific questions you want me to be sure to answer ;).

 Luxe Cut Out Pose Top | Criss Cross Sweatshirt | Heather Stripe Capris |Mid Rise Salutation Capri

And yes, I decided that with a new fitness focus, it was time to invest in some new workout wear because it had been AWHILE since I purchased true athletic gear… above are a few of the new fitness-related items I snagged! P.S. the grey and black tops are SOOOOO comfy = I might need to stock up in ALL the colors.

Another prime example… during the past six months, I read ONE measly book [so so bad]. It was pure laziness and because I would always find a way to spend my free time elsewhere at night — browsing the internet, catching up on social media, etc, and it’s been a hobby I desperately missed. Just in the past two weeks, I’ve read three books and I am sleeping better and enjoying that quiet hour with a good book before I hit the hay. Small change, yes, but it’s getting me back on track. Here are the ones I read and I’d highly recommend ALL of them… easy, quick reads that all have that suspense, thriller aspect that I LOVE.

Any other must-reads you’ve loved lately??? Always up to hear your thoughts and recommendations!

Into the Water | I Let You Go | Behind Closed Doors 

I’ve also started menu planning again [using this paper version I bought online]. It’s a simple thing that I’ve started completing on Sundays, that way it cuts down on time spent at the grocery store, aimlessly figuring out what to make for dinner on any given day. I’m working the crock pot magic 1-2 times a week and then assembling other dinner options for other evenings, and then when our days are rushed, we usually try to grab a fast casual option.
And then there is my “diet” AKA counting calories and eating everything in moderation. I am SO amazed by some of you out there and your tenacity to follow strict diets, etc… but this gal likes to wine and dine so for  me, it’s all about balance. If I let myself have a doughnut for breakfast with my babies, I’ll probably follow it up with lighter options the rest of the day.

I keep telling myself, small changes add up to BIG results! Hope your Monday is GREAT.

P.S. praying for all of our coastal friends…we are thinking of you and are ready to help with the aftermath of Irma.