Looking to 2022
The past two years have been absolutely unimaginable; a global pandemic, political unrest in the US, and more close to home, struggling with becoming a mom and how that changes life and relationships, mental health struggles, and a job transition. It has certainly been a lot to take in. While every day is a new start, there is just something about the New Year that gives things a clean slate feeling. As the hours wind down on 2021, here are the things I plan on focusing on for 2022 - most are quite stereotypical, but I will be sharing my reasoning behind each thing. Maybe my reasons will resonate with you and give you an idea for something to strive for in 2022!
Getting Back on Track With Daily Habits - From my skincare routine, daily journal check-ins, and morning affirmations, the past two months in particular have thrown all of my routines off track. I’ve barely opened my planner these past two months, and I’ve gone to bed without washing my face more times than I’d like to admit. I have prepped myself for 2022 by already decorating and organizing my planner, so I am ready to sit down and start planning my time on January 1st!
Mindful Eating - Like many of us throughout the pandemic, I have put on some weight. Honestly, I way more now than I did at the height of my pregnancy! As the old saying goes, abs are made in the kitchen. While I do use fresh ingredients and almost all of our food is fresh cooked, I’ve made a habit over the past two years of making rich sauces and carb-filled sides. Going into 2022, I want to focus more on plant-based dishes and portion sizes.
Intentional Movement - Going hand in hand with my previous goal, leaving a busy ED where I was always on my feet to go to a mostly-office job with WFH days has certainly had an impact on my health. While I do spend time running around after a toddler, it is not enough. I want to strive for daily intentional movement, whether it’s a full on HIIT workout or a relaxing yoga session, I want to incorporate movement into every single day. Hopefully over the next few days my husband and I will be able to organize our basement; we have all the equipment for a home gym - squat rack, bench, elliptical, kettlebells, barbells, even a tv for the wall! We just need to organize the space & set everything up so all we have to do is head down the basement to get in a good sweat sesh.
Adequate Hydration - I’ve mentioned before how getting the right amount of water can help with energy, and I know the amount I personally need to feel optimal, however, lately I have not been drinking the amount of water that I need, and I have been feeling so sluggish and can tell from the dryness of my skin that my body is just thirsty. So, I’ve bought this ridiculously giant water bottle (3200mL!!) with timepoints marked down the side to remind me to drink up. As I am writing this I am actually 4 hours ahead of “schedule” for my water intake and can tell my body is catching up because I am not feeling the usual exhaustion I’d start feeling around this time of day. I do want to mention that I am well aware that H2O toxicity is a thing and it is possible to drink too much water, and I want to make sure others are aware that this is something to be aware of when attempting to up your water intake!
Limiting Alcohol Intake - Last year Adam and I did “Dry January” and it was nice starting the year off with some sober time. We agreed to do dry January again this year, with the plan to limit alcohol intake in general going forward. Alcohol is absolutely terrible for you, and drinking is just so incredibly casual in our culture (I recently finished a book where I don’t think there was a single page that went by where characters weren’t having a drink!). When you actually take a step back and look at it from the outside, though, alcohol is just terrible for you. It is literal poison to your body, and can have deadly health risks. Personally, I want to be healthy, strong, and the best Mom I can be for Jack, and I feel that limiting alcohol is one of the best decisions that can be made. The overall health benefits far outweigh having a few drinks.
It’s been almost two years of this new, weird world we live in, and I personally feel like I can no longer use the excuse of “doing it later” to make healthy, positive changes in life. So, my challenge for you in 2022 is to do the same thing; challenge yourself to be a better you, be a healthier and happier you, and live your best life!
Happy New Year everyone, cheers to 2022!!!
