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Move More; Write More
For two months I’ve been letting my exercise goals slide. I haven’t given up on them completely, but the 5-6 days a week turned into 2-3 days a week.
I noticed other goals of mine flitting away as well. My side writing goals are not getting met, and you know why? Because when one area of my life is off balance, the whole thing gets tipsy.
I’m convinced consistency is the key to success.
When I move more, I write more.
When I write more, I feel good about myself. When I feel good about myself, I eat healthier. These successes give me a mental boost to do other things like reading a novel instead of scrolling Facebook.
It’s all connected.
Mind. Body. Spirit.
I always begin my day with coffee, a few chapters of the Bible and prayer. Exercising is scheduled next, before I tackle my work. This is where I’ve tripped up. Instead of faithfully working out in the morning, I’ve been telling myself I’ll work out in the afternoon. Guess what? I’m tired in the afternoon. And I don’t want to work out, so I don’t.
The good thing, though, is that this cycle can be broken. I am determined to break it. I’ve written my exercise plan into my day planner, AND I scheduled when I will work on my side projects (this week will be one hour per day from Tuesday through Friday). I’ll let you know in my April goal post how I’m doing.
For me, following through with my morning exercise routine leads me to meet or exceed my writing goals for the day. It’s a motivation/mental thing.
If you’re having trouble in one area of your life, it tends to have a ripple effect on other parts. Whatever you’re struggling with goal-wise, work on making it a habit. Your writing output will thank you!
Do you write more when you move more? Or does something else trigger you to write more? I’m curious!
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exercise, for me, has to be a morning thing, too…and that balance thing is so true! Once I say no to one thing (whether it’s exercise or eating right or whatever) it’s so easy to say no to the next thing….
You and I are so much alike! I’m the same way. It’s hard to stay on track!
Jill, great job! I’m so happy for your scheduling progress.
As for me, my knee is finally feeling more normal, so I did five minutes on my stepper. I’m taking it slow, with perhaps two five-minute sessions a day at least three days a week, to strengthen my knee again. I’m glad I’m finally moving on to this crucial step in the recovery process.
For writing, exercise and creativity do often work well together for me, and making sure I have a full stomach so I’m not distracted by hunger. Camp NaNoWriMo begins on April 1, and I’m using it as extra motivation to dive into the Bible study I’m writing. Hopefully I’ll be able to use my lap desk on both legs by then. It’s so tough typing with a cockeyed computer!
Keep up the great work, friend! You’re doing such a wonderful job!
~ Andrea
Good job, Andrea, on taking it slow with the stepper–that’s great! Just take it slow. Yes, being hungry is no good for creativity. I have candy when I’m writing, and I don’t feel guilty one bit!
I’m hoping the lap desk works for you soon!
Candy? Girl, you’re reading my mind! What’s your favorite kind to have on-hand when you’re writing? Recently, I’ve been really craving Twix. I usually have Kit Kats nearby too.
I love ALL candy, but anything with caramel, especially! I keep Gobstoppers and Bottle Caps on my desk. Hard candy has fewer calories and lasts longer! Kit Kats and Twix are two of my faves!
How did I forget about Bottle Caps??? My dad used to get those a lot when I was a kid and we’d fight* over the root beer flavored ones. That was both of our favorite drink, so of course we loved any candy flavored to have that same taste.
Sounds like you have a nice stash of candy hanging around!
* It wasn’t really a fight. We’d lay out the caps by color/flavor and if there were an even number of root beer ones, we’d split them evenly. If there were an odd number, we’d take turns getting the extra one.
You’ll succeed in getting your balance back. It’s a problem I know well. Travel always disrupts my routine. We’ll be traveling a lot now that we’re retired. I’m determined not to let my healthy balance go. I got started with exercise, and healthy eating, I’m adding in writing and have made these my priorities. Packing, laundry and all the other travel distractions will have to come second. You’re an inspiration, Thank you.
Rue, I admire all you’re doing to make your dreams come true!