Do you always have your Sh*t together?

This summer a good friend asked me this question.  The answer was (and is) a loud NO!  There are days when I am overwhelmed, exhausted, and just don’t want to make healthy choices because it takes time.  On days like that, I’d rather use my time to hibernate on the couch, drink wine, stuff my face with pretzels and cheese, and pretend that there isn’t a pile of laundry taller than I am that needs attention.

While I absolutely try to follow a 90/10 approach to health and wellness, there are some days that the ratio is more like 10/90.  Sound familiar?  And I don’t mean just when it comes to food and exercise choices – it includes all areas of our lives at times.


​So what do we when that happens, and how do get back on track?

1. Stop judging yourself!  It happened.  It might happen again at some point in the future.  Beating ourselves up over making an unhealthy choices won’t take it away.  The slippery slope of making that unhealthy choice repeatable starts when we tell ourselves we have failed and we have done something bad.  Ever notice how that kind of mantra in your head makes you make further unhealthy choices?   It can be a vicious cycle.  You have to love yourself enough to accept the choice you made and move on.
   
   
2. Hit the Pause button!  Is your to-do list never-ending?   Take a moment and look at items you can let go or delegate.  If you were to sit down and lay out all the responsibilities of your daily life, there are probably not enough hours to accomplish it all.  Can something give?  Are there things you are doing that are time wasters and benefit no one in your immediate world?  I have found the hardest word for most people is NO.  Learn to say it and not feel bad about it. Evaluate what is causing this overload, and either adjust the schedule, enlist help or say no.
   
   
3. Plan ahead!  May favorite saying and least favorite feeling is, “Hair on fire!”  My clients know that if this is how they are feeling in any area of life we are going to come up with a plan to change it.  Whether it’s menu planning, chore schedules, social calendar, or kid’s activities, know what is ahead of you for the week.  If dinner is on the fly, keep it simple and healthy.  Chores – do one thing a day.  I know we all like the entire house clean at one time, but can that be a reality with your schedule right now?  Preempt last minute trips to the store to pick up gifts and food for entertaining by incorporating it into your weekly schedule.  Make sure all key players in the house (kids are included!) know who needs to be where and with what.  Post a calendar where everyone can see it and/or have a family check in once a week so you are all on the same page.
   
   
4. Time for YOU!  I know, it’s so easy to say (or in my case write) but it is often a hard thing for us to justify doing. The reality is that you cannot take care of everyone else if your batteries are on empty.   Caring for yourself first gives you the ability to shuck and jive, and be present for the tasks at hand.  Try to fit in daily movement and activities that you enjoy.  Time may be very limited some days, so your “You Time” might be a walk around the block, a cup of tea, or some deep breaths.  You are worth it!
   
   

Bottom line – there will be days when our Sh*t will not be together!  Lifestyle changes are for the long haul, not a quick fix.  The greatest gift you can give yourself is implementing strategies that will help you to maintain balance so that you can successfully continue  your journey!  

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