While tucking and rolling to dodge the countless diet advertisements the past few weeks, I started to set my intentions for the new year. Let’s be real, I’m 7 months pregnant so there’s definitely not (really) any tucking and rolling or shedding pandemic pounds. However, for me, health has always been bigger than getting smaller. I’ve made 5 health choices for ME recently and I’m excited to take them into 2021 with me.
Bottoms Up!
And not in an anti-Dry January kind of way (7 months preggo, here!) I’ve been getting wet and wild with as much water as I can stand to drink in 24 hours. Drinking at least half my body weight in ounces is keeping me hydrated, in the bathroom, and headache free. Infusing my water with different fruits keeps things both exciting and cleansing.
Rest
When you’re a mama, you’re always thinking about what needs to get done next. The notorious “sleep when the baby sleeps” advice never worked for me because I felt guilty if I didn’t meal prep, fold the laundry, paint the shed, and do a quick yoga flow during nap time. All that rushing and cramming has finally caught up to me, and this time, I’m listening to my body. I’m prioritizing sleep and slowing down, and it’s making a huge difference. I’m more in tune with my daily duties with energy to spare.
Move
Any other year I’d gravitate towards an aggressive diet and exercise plan to join the masses in dropping the lbs after the holidays. This year I’m moving with intention and with less intensive guidelines. In the past I’d start out strong, but quickly fizzle out because I felt forced and couldn’t find the joy. My new mantra is to just MOVE everyday. Stretching, family walks, yoga, and dance are my go-to faves.
Meditate
Meditation has always been something I wanted to try–and my husband begged me to do–but I was scared to take the plunge. My thoughts are quite frightening at times and I definitely didn’t want to sit down in silence with them. At the beginning of this pregnancy, I took my husband’s advice (I must have really been stressing him out) and found an incredible app called Expectful. Tailor-made for fertility, pregnancy and parenting, there’s a meditation for every step of your journey. In as little as five minutes I’m able to start my day by quieting my thoughts and connecting with myself and my new babe.
If you’re interested in trying Expectful, click here for a free 7-day trial!
Let It Go (*Elsa Voice*)
I’m setting boundaries and sticking to them. A new year is a fresh start to drop anything that doesn’t serve you. End toxic relationships with family, friends and faux-workers. Say goodbye to that dead-end job. Say “no” to events you don’t want to be a part of. When you release yourself of the things that are dragging you down, you make room for the positive things that bring joy and help you focus on what’s really important.
2020 did us all a little dirty, but it did show us that our health should be a top priority. Give yourself the grace to heal and grow this year. Take the steps, big or small, to come out a healthy, happier, stronger you.
PHOTO CREDIT :: Lindsay Herkert Photography
