September was exhausting. It felt like the longest month and also the shortest month. Seems like all months of 2020 are starting to fall into this category. I’m so tired, I considered not setting any October goals. But then I remembered that the year isn’t over yet, as much as we wish it were; there are still three months left so…I might as well make the most of them. There’s the overachiever of my enneagram 3 coming out. She is so annoying sometimes!
My word for October is SIMPLE. I got a little over-zealous with my September goals and I totally bombed at achieving them. Like embarrassingly bombed. This month, my goal is to keep life simple. I’m starting to get pretty busy at work, which in the past, is when I fall off the taking-care-of-myself wagon. I’ve been working hard this year to overcome the bad habits I fall into when I’m busy, stressed or burnt out – not working out, stress eating, living on copious amounts of caffeine. My October goals focus on the basics of being healthy and clear-headed. I’m keeping this list simple so that these goals are achievable and don’t become additional items on my daily to-do list that eventually just add to my stress level. Here’s what I’m tracking on this month:
October Goal #1: Workout for 30 minutes a day.
I am not motivated to workout right now. Whether it’s getting 10,000 steps a day or strength training in my living room, I’m just not into it. On the days I do feel like working out, I get stressed about how much time it’s going to take and when I’m going to fit it into my day. This month, I’m taking it back to the basics by focusing on moving for just 30 minutes a day. Whatever that 30-minute workout looks like is up to me each day, just as long as I stay committed to moving my body.
October Goal #2: Drink half my body weight in ounces of water.
I’ve been living on caffeine all day long and it isn’t until happy hour that I realize I’ve had zero glasses of water. My poor kidneys! I have to get back on my water drinking and counting the ounces I drink each day. That’s the only way I’ve ever been able to stay on track. Sounds easy enough, right?
October Goal #3: Eat clean during the week.
I’m embarrassed to admit how many McDonald’s breakfasts and Taco Bell dinners we had delivered during September out of sheer laziness and failure to plan ahead. If we don’t meal plan and grocery shop on Sunday or Monday, we run the risk of reaching for the bad stuff when we’re tired and don’t like feel like cooking or going to the store. Especially with football season launching, I know we’ll be eating delicious tailgate treats on the weekend so I’ve got to tighten it up during the week.
October Goal #4: Keep meditating.
My meditation practice is very much a work in progress. Sometimes I struggle to focus and really commit to it. Yet other times it’s the best experience of my day. Whether I’m fully focused or only halfway invested, when I meditate in the morning, I can tell a big difference in my headspace throughout the remainder of the day. If you’re looking to get into a meditation or spiritual practice, I cannot recommend Gabby Bernstein enough. That lady is a total boss!
October Goal #5: Make my bed daily.
Truth be told, I don’t always make my bed. I know, I know. I’m granting full permission for you to judge me on this one. I judge myself a little bit, too! It’s just that sometimes I get moving in the morning and I forget about it for a while; then when I go to make it…there’s usually a cuddly little kitty sleeping in it that I can’t bring myself to move. So, I just keep on with my day. I’ve heard the expression “messy bed, messy head” and while I don’t fully understand the saying, I do feel a bit more on top of things when my bed is made.
There you have it! Just five simple October goals to keep me healthy and on track with caring for myself despite an increasingly busy schedule. I’m interested to know your October goals and what you’re working on this month! Let me know in the comments or feel free to contact me.
Only three more months left in this crazy year. We got this!
Leave a Reply