Taking Care Of You

As a parent our lives revolve around family, work, friends etc. and we may find very little time for ourselves. It's so easy to forget 'you' on this journey and today's Blog is here to remind you not to!

I usually do an annual health check up at the GP, bi-annual dental checks and annual eye test. There are no major health concerns but in my opinion if we do an annual check on a car to review its road worthiness it's important to do the same with our health.

Health Check : 2019

When I saw the GP two year's ago my cholesterol was high. I was surprised as meals were mainly prepared at home and I thought it was well balanced. However, it was the way in which the food was prepared eg. grilled is healthier than fried. So I changed the way the meals were prepared and added more fish.

Don't know about you but I'd rather sit on the couch than exercise so having the gym closed during Covid worked in my favour!

2020

Working from home was advantageous but it also meant a lot of time in front of the screen and very little exercise. I could have went for a walk but didn't...no word for it but plain lazy.

2021

It so happened that a new gym opened up 2 min from home so in December last year I decided something had to give and I enrolled. Membership was free for a month so you guessed it...all of December I went a total of nil, nada, zilch times. The gym normally offers a session with a trainer which I opted for...it wouldn't hurt, right?

So in January 2021, I met Jarrod...a trainer like n0 other....I had a session with a trainer before but Jarrod asked the right questions. I was impressed and I knew I needed to work on the 'jibber jabbers' and so began the journey with Jarrod, my PT.

The First Session

The sessions are 40 minutes twice a week and the great thing is that Jarrod tailor makes the session for each student...but I tell you in that first session I thought I was going to die after only 20minutes. It was bad, totally indescribable! My session was at 5am and I could not do much for the rest of the day as I had the worst headache. All this happened because I'd made the mistake of not eating anything beforehand. So since then I normally eat before each session.

I do tell Jarrod when I'm on 'amber' alert and can't do more but like every teacher he's caught on when a student needs a kick!

The Discipline

From all that I've mentioned above, it's easy to conclude that exercising does not come naturally to me. The exercise bike that's rusty in the backyard is testament to this. It started with a decision to take my health seriously. I chose to use a PT because I need to achieve the health goals I desire and I know I cannot do it alone. I train early in the mornings as this is the time that suits - it's not convenient and God, my friends and family know how much I love my sleep (!) but the result at the end will be worth it.

The Result

So I went to the GP at the end of February for a check up. Drum roll....the doctor's words were 'you are in perfect health' ... my cholesterol was low! I honestly put it down to exercise and changing my eating habits. It took me two years to take things seriously...

Outside of the gym, I have made other small changes like taking the stairs more often rather than the lift, reducing caffeine intake and take-outs.

Physically, I am far from where I would like to be but I am getting there. Steady and slow wins the race. My body feels good, I have more energy and am not as tired.

Take Care Of You

So if you are in the same boat as me, take that first step. It may not mean going to the gym but maybe walking more or eating better. Do it. We only have one body, let's take good care of it. Our children will thank us for it.

Nuggets of Wisdom

I conclude by sharing Jarrod's Blog post on '5 Ways to lose weight and stay healthy' . Jarrod shares insights weekly on mindset, movement and nutrition. Follow him on instagram and facebook.

Please like and share this post....I'm sure there's at least one person in your circle who will be encouraged :)

Your fellow Rookie Parent,

Sash

I am an Accountant, Author and Blogger. Home is Australia with my husband and 4 year old son.

I believe that in sharing we grow. And that's how this website and blog was born focusing on children and parents. It sure does take a village to raise a family and build a home.

It's so easy to forget 'you' on this journey. This website's here to remind you not to!