Establishing Healthy Habits + Goals for 2018

Well if it isn’t my favorite day of the week…to hate on. THURSDAY. Can I get a collective eye roll please?

I really shouldn’t hate on Thursdays. It’s not their fault they suck so much. Especially during this time of giving, I like to keep things positive around these parts.

It’s hard to think that 20-17 is already coming to a close (!!) It feels like I was moving my life (three times) to a new state, traveling cross-country, and moving in with the BAE-friend just yesterday..if yesterday was 4 months ago.

So what better time to reflect on some accomplishments, not talk about food so much, and set some goals to crush in the coming year than….Thursday.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

I think the key to living a long, and healthy life is to make small choices every day that you can stick to. Trust me, I have struggled with my fair share of lofty and outlandish goals of the years, but have found that accomplishing smaller, attainable goals feels much better than failing a big one.

[Tweet “”Accomplishing smaller, attainable goals feels much better than failing one big goal.””]

 

Here are the small, every day goals I’ve managed to make into my daily healthy habits list this year.

Healthy Habits: 2017

 

Walk on my lunch break.

Working in an office where most people only get up from their desks to get coffee or use the restroom makes staying active a struggle. Working in an area that is filled with distribution centers and 18 wheelers, it doesn’t exactly motivate you to get outside either.

But I’ve made it a habit to load up my phone with podcasts, and get my butt out there for at least 30-45 minutes every day. Now I look forward to it, and puts me in such a better mood for the rest of the day. Such a great way to refresh!

Drink 1 gallon of water daily.

Another perk of working at a desk is the constant nag of having something in my hands or mouth at all times. Having water nearby is a must for me.

Not only does drinking enough water each day make me feel better overall, but it also forces me to get up and fill my water bottle at least 3 times during the work day…on top of using the bathroom from all that water drinking. I now make a conscious effort to drink a  a full gallon of water a day, including green tea, and my afternoon seltzer. 🙂

 

Plan my day ahead.

No matter what goal you are trying to crush, planning ahead is K.E.Y. I am the QUEEN of list making, highlighting, and planning anything and everything I can get my hands on.

Before I leave work for the day, I always plan out the next day so that I know exactly what I need to get accomplished as soon as the day starts.

The same goes once I get home, by planning out my meals for the next day. Excessive? Maybe. But I LOVE it. Planning my meals, prepping them before I go to bed, setting up the coffee maker, and picking out my outfit in my head makes the morning go SO much smoother and faster.

 

Practice gratitude.

Oh, gratitude. We go back for years. Since about my sophomore year of college, I have had some sort of gratitude practice in my life.

Every morning, the first thing I do is make a list of 3-10 things I am grateful for. Saying thank you for all that I currently have puts me in such a better mindset, and starts the day off on the right foot.

Before I go to bed, I always say what I am most grateful for from the day. That way I always start and end my day with a positive and grateful mind.

 

I’d say I’m pretty happy with 2017’s habits! Now looking ahead to 20-18!

 

Goals: 2018

 

Run another half marathon.

You knew running would be on this list now, didn’t you? I think T-Swift could write a song about our rocky relationship.

So when Mizuno reached out to try their new Wave Rider 21 running shoe, I knew that was my kick in the compression shorts to rekindle the fire.

I’ve slowly started running again when the time (and sun) allows with plans on running a 5k in the spring. (Cuz starting running again in the winter is the best time, right?!) That way I can work my way up to running another half marathon in the fall.

I’ve always struggled with finding running shoes that work for me once I start running higher mileage. The sides and tops of my feet always cramp up, which stems up to my shins, making each step like running with with cement legs.

I found that the Wave Rider’s were super comfortable as soon as I put them on, and didn’t bother my feet in the least. Honestly, I was pretty surprised since the last 2 pairs of “real” running shoes did. Since it’s a neutral shoe, it’s great for someone who is just starting out, or even the seasoned pro. Not to mention that color. 😉

[Tweet “A running shoe for both beginners and seasoned pros! #AD #WaveRider21 #FitFluential @mizunorunning”]

Practice meditation.

Another relationship that fizzles out on and off..sometimes on the daily: Meditation.

 

My boyfriend is MUCH better at this practice than I am. I commend him on getting up at 5:30 every morning to do it before he starts the day. I on the other hand, opt for staying in the warmth of our bed for an extra half hour.

Even if it is 2 minutes every night, starting the habit of meditating every day is on the list for the new year. Any recommendations out there?

Travel more.

Isn’t this on most everyone’s list? If only there was endless time and dough to travel the world, and eat all the foods.

 

I always say I want to visit my friends who have scattered themselves about the country, but I need to add more of the dos to that list. Starting my long lost roomie from the Alabama days..I’m coming for you soon ATL!!

 

Publish more content.

I couldn’t forget you guys now could I?! I am loving the direction the blog is taking, but want to bring more of the stuff you guys are looking for and want.

That’s why I’m crafting a reader survey to capture just that! Be on the lookout for it in Sunday’s post with a little holiday-appropriate incentive ($$$) for completing it too. 🙂

 

Here’s to kicking..or running..or being grateful for the next year ahead!

Make it a great day!

 

What are some healthy habits you’ve established?

What is one of your goals for the new year?

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mizuno. The opinions and text are all mine.