Old habits die hard.
What started off as "just a thing I'm going to start doing" and one whole week of going through crazy withdrawals became ultimately became... drinking just one cup of coffee a day.
Usually, every one of my lifestyle changes always begin as a "thing I'm just doing," because I love finding new ways to challenge myself. I feel like I've lived my life constantly trying to prove no one other than myself wrong.
So coming from someone who happily used to caffeinate with up to 3 - 4 cups on the daily, I truly didn't know I could live this lifestyle. I've since been drinking green tea as a replacement (no longer just at night) or find myself not needing a single cup of coffee at all throughout the whole day.
I've also been reaping the benefits of having complete alone time on weekends. My introversion thrives on this. These past couple weekends, I've had my good share of lazy days doing nothing at all, learning new recipes, or have pushed my limits of working out more than usual - just because I needed something to do.
Yesterday, my time management skills and creativity were just effortlessly pouring out of me right when I needed it most at work. I definitely have my creative blocks from time to time, so I highly recommend being the occasional homebody just to have a mental break and to recharge.
It's important to note that all change is gradual but any change is completely possible.
D i e t
Generally, I've always been pretty conscious of what foods I consume. But then, I REALLY started loving pizza again. Although I'm good at ruling fast food out as an option, another weakness of mine I could never give up are sweets. During my period, I was eating full size bars of chocolate or just needed to have something sweet EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
But there's hope! Here are some healthy habits I've been developing:
- Coffee once a day (or none at all)
- Green tea (to replace coffee) every morning
- Drinking room temperature water with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar every morning before breakfast for digestion
- Roasting veggies for the week and meal prepping
Side note: I've realistically only have patience to prep for two days at a time. Though, it's still kept me from spending less, not going out for lunch, and eating fresh.
- Indulging in fast food twice a month (or none at all). So far, I haven't done it!
- No beer. Just sticking to my wine and tequila sodas in moderation.
- No scales. Just eating mindfully better and sticking to my workouts.
E x e r c i s e
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*when summer bod happens after summer*
Pilates has remained in my life for yeeeeeaaars tracing back from middle school. I knew from the get go that it's my kind of work out especially for someone who doesn't like gyms. Even though I don't follow a specific diet and exercise, I feel my best when I can use working out as a way to destress from real life while knowing that I'm building strength and confidence.
- Working out at least 6 days a week (40 min. pilates everyday and a run on weekends)*
- Weekend workouts may include (2) 40 min. pilates sessions
*This routine works out if I'm not traveling back home on weekends or other types of day long events
L e i s u r e
Soooooo... going out adds up. There's bound to be the occasional $15 wine tasting or two, but I hope to go back to basics and remember that the purpose of going out is all about the enjoyment of being surrounded with good company.
- No buying drinks at the bar, going out
- Going out less in general, drinking in if necessary
- Going out to eat at a restaurant just once a week (or none at all!)
- Make dinner parties/wine nights with friends more of a thing
- Going to more free events
- Reading and learning about travel, budgeting, & Spain
- Managing my time better
E x p e n s e s
Moving earlier this year took a huge toll on my savings, so I'm working on rebuilding and rebudgeting. Hopefully by working through all these changes, I can get back on track.
- Getting better at managing and paying off my credit cards
- Limit credit card use in general
- Stick to my budget using the Mint app
- Spend under $40 for groceries and make it last for 2 weeks (it CAN be done!)
- Using almost every bit of my groceries before buying anything new (it's so fun to think of recipes using leftover groceries too!)
- No outside coffee/cafe purchases & only ground coffee at home
H o b b i e s
I was NEVER a Pinterest-er. Now, I find myself using it daily to gain inspiration for work, fashion, traveling, budgeting and discovering budget friendly recipes.
- Pinning
- Staying up to date with my monthly mood boards
- Find ways to make alterations to my clothes in order to reinvent them (cut, sew, hem, etc.)
W e l l n e s s & M i s c .
Concerts seems to want to take all of my money (I've been eyeing you Day N Night Festival). Is there a cure to festival fever?
- Spend more productive (and non productive) weekends to myself
- Learning Spanish on Duolingo app (let's see how long this lasts)
- No shopping for new clothes this month, with the exception of selling clothes for credit at Crossroads first
More changes I hope to adapt within the next few months:
- Freelance opportunities to earn money for my travel fund
- 10 min. stretching everyday
- Limiting sweet consumption (also be good with my dental health -- but that's a whole other post)
As the month continues, the key is to accept that we are constantly evolving.
xo
A
I'm happy to take any advice or life improvement tips, all are welcome!