On March 16, I started a new exercise program to stay active and balance out my sitting for hours on my wobble stool in front of the computer screen. I do an
exercise program with Mrs. Cumberledge, and I had just finished another program
and saw this 100-workout program that I remember she had finished once. I thought
maybe I might try a few and see how I liked it. Well, after I got started, I
really enjoyed it. I printed out my calendar and Hundreds chart and kept track. Not a secret - my personal WIG is to do at least 1 physical exercise at least
5 days a week and eat at least 2 servings of fruits and veggies every day. My goal is to get stronger than I was before, and this program said it builds cardio and strength, so it sounded good.
As we hit the end of March, 2 weeks in, I thought that maybe it would be cool to finish this program by the time the school year ended. Then I hit a couple of weeks in April when I spent SO much time sitting in front of the computer that I gave myself stress headaches every day and just couldn't imagine getting up and doing the jumping jacks. Also, we had daily classwork battles with my younger daughter, who gave us (and still is) serious push-back on this online learning. It was an exhausting cycle.
By the time I got to the end of April, I was seriously doubting I'd make it by June 10. However, I realized I had to change my mindset, recommit to my goal to get back on track, and May rocked! I powered through it, and by last week, I saw that I could get it done. On Monday, I finished workout #100. My strength is definitely improved, as I can do more push-ups now than I ever could before, and burpees and planks aren't that bad. I know my current and last classes enjoyed doing planks with me sometimes, but now I'm even stronger!
I think what helped me stay on track was my calendar and hundreds chart where I would document what workout I did each day. I could see if I missed a day or three and get myself back on track. We do that in the classroom, too - keep a scoreboard. I am definitely a paper person, so keeping the paper next to my sink where I saw it every time I brushed my teeth was a great reminder.
Who knew these Habits we teach to students in the classroom would be helping me at home, too? I am seeing the benefits of putting first things first, beginning with the end in mind, and being proactive while being home. I often get distracted by things and end up working on 4 projects but completing none. I've worked on focusing, setting my mind to get things finished.
Last week and weekend were crammed with busy activities preparing for this last week of school. Cleaning out the classroom was tough!, not as much physically, but mentally and emotionally. I would have loved to work on the solar system puzzle with Ellie or the Lego City or Spyro video game with Addie. I would love to sit and watch the birds on my bird feeder or spend some time reading or painting for fun. However, I knew my work had to be finished - it had a deadline, and I can share my work to help others. I stayed focused, got everything finished, and now I can start thinking about enjoying some less busy time. I'm ready for family time, puzzles, video games, and more baking! Are you? How have the Habits helped you at home?
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