Recently I have been eliminating a few bad habits from my diet and lifestyle. I am in a really determined mood to improve my health and wellbeing and this means making some sacrifices. No pain no gain, so they say, and slowly, the message is sinking in and making a real positive difference in my life. 

This morning I woke early before my alarm at 5am. I was in the mood for some guided meditations and managed to do 40 minutes, 4 x 10 minute ones. I then jumped out of bed and did some stretching, realising I am too much in my head, I need to reconnect to my body, and stretch it out. I used to be so flexible, a dancer! I loved the feeling of full freedom of movement in my body, we take this feeling for granted so much when we are young. What a great way to start the day! I felt calm, relaxed and way more focused. But, I don’t always start my day like this!

Phones and screens are causing so many addiction issues for many people these days. Most of us spend way too much time online. I am finding it really hard to concentrate and focus and complete tasks as well as I used to, and I know it is the consequence of too much screen time. Of short sharp interesting intervals of information being smashed at our synapses, shortening them by the second. It  is becoming a problem, not just personally but I see it all around me, and it honestly really concerns me. Take a walk outside and most people are wandering around starring at their phones. We are all distracted! We are missing out on what is really going on in front of us. 

Hence why I have been working hard on changing the morning routine. Rather than waking up and reaching for my phone, I am aiming to start with a guided meditation. Then some stretches. Then some writing, and ideally some art. I used to have a morning routine of daily art, which is such a fun flow activity for me. I have managed to get back to this and create about 3 to 5 pieces per week. I will include some of the art works I have made here. 

So the morning routine has improved by eliminating excessive screen time. I have also given up alcohol, over a year and a half now. Last week I also decided it was time to give up coffee. I know I am such a psychopath! I went cold turkey, because that is how I operate. The first day I had the worst headaches, like migraine level, like head in a vice I need to lay down in a dark room level. It really was horrible. I could not believe how much coffee had been affecting me. It was making me feel all racey and nuts and jittery, and really that was not working for me or anyone else around me. I am hyperactive at the best of times and wake up with a spring in my step. Herbal tea has now become my new favourite hot beverage, and I have no cravings for coffee at all. 

I have also given up all processed foods and chocolate. I know right? I told you I was a psychopath. I aim to just eat more fresh fruit and veg, natural food as possible and remove packet food. I have been making lots of fresh fruit and veg juices, which I find delicious. As for chocolate I have not bought any in 2 months, and have only had the tiniest of bits, so for the most part, its eliminated. I may just have it on a rare occasion. 

If we want to feel good in life we need to make some sacrifices. It’s not always easy! But through self discipline and making good choices, this has a really positive impact on your life in so many other ways. I have also been doing intermittent fasting and not eating until 12/1pm, stopping eating by 7/8pm or so. I feel so good for this. I love this long break of not eating and not having to worry about what to eat. I am not hungry during this time. Low blood sugar is sometimes a problem but I am mostly used to it now. I started slowly with 10am, then 11, then 12. And occasionally I will just not eat all day and wait til dinner if I am not hungry. I have lost around 6 kg already. I feel skinny!! It feels good. 

I have upped my exercise too, doing a park run on a Saturday morning and playing tennis all afternoon on Saturday too. That is a lot but I love it. I have been swimming and sauna too for a good winter time routine. It’s all happening. I am in good routines. 

Its amazing what happens when you stay still for awhile! I have made so much progress. 

So what can you give up for the gains? Screen time, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, processed foods are all some good suggestions. 

I went to a party the other night and a friend was telling me his new girlfriend has no TV, and no social media. I was pretty impressed. But this could be next level in elimination. Perhaps that one is more about moderation and occasional breaks? We will see! 

Hope this finds you well. What have you been thinking to give up for the gains?

Anita xx