Let’s Get Healthier Together

With the new year many people make resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, or stop eating bread.  What if we looked at it a little bit differently?  Let’s resolve to get healthier and together.  We are going to do an exercise to get you thinking about healthier.

What does healthier look like to you?  How would you feel if you were healthier?  What is one actionable and measurable thing to help you reach a healthier self in the next 3, 6, and 12 months?  Close your eyes and envision that healthier you.

Got that person in mind?  Great!  Let’s work to start building upon that vision.  I will start with a softball answer.

(1) Write down what you want to achieve.

I want to be able to touch my toes.

(2) What do I need to do to help me see that result?

I need to stretch and be more active to help loosen up my hips and legs.  My hamstrings are tight!

(3) How do I add in more activity and stretching to my week?

Tuesday and Thursday nights tend to be less busy for me.  I can block out some time, 30-60 mins each week to make sure I’m getting in activity.  Walking, running (if weather allows), swimming, or yoga.  

(4) Set a small goal to help you reach the goal above.

Between January 3rd – January 31st, I will be active at a minimum of 30-60 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday nights to help increase my activity and make it easier to touch my toes.  

(5) Make yourself accountable for that goal.  How will you stick to it?  What if challenges or things arise that get you off course?  How will you get back on?

I’m going to use our monthly family calendar in the kitchen to track the nights I get in my activity.  I will put a X on the days I get in 30-60 mins.  

Working in small chunks to help you reach that better version of yourself will you see measurable achievements.  You may be sitting there thinking, but how would that apply to the 30 pounds I want to lose?  Breaking it down makes it seem like so much work and it’s going to take forever.  No, it won’t take forever, but it will take work.

What do you have to lose if you give yourself the chance to be that healthy self you envisioned earlier?

Those 30 pounds were not put there overnight, it was a gradual change that got you to where you are today.  If not, I would highly encourage you to talk to your doctor(s) and see what is going on.  You can opt for a quick fix and see dramatic results in a short amount of time.  Is that sustainable?  Are you making lifestyle changes that will last you to reach that 6-12 month mark?

My answers to these questions are why I’ve decided to write about getting healthier.  Losing 30 pounds is my own long term goal.  Some of it is leftover from my pregnancy, but most of it is because I changed my lifestyle and put other things ahead of my health.  Damn you beer, wine, and sweets.  You get me everytime.  Plus, sometimes I’m just plain lazy or lose my motivation.

This picture below is from early December with my friend Melissa.  I may look okay but feel like crap.  I have been struggling to find clothes in my closet that are appropriate for my body type.  Exercise had not been a priority.  Melissa invited me to a boxing class at the gym and it helped reinvigorate me to start taking better care of myself.  Thanks Melissa for that push!

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By summer I want to be able to take P on the trails near our house and just run with him.  I want my endurance and stamina back.  If I’m focusing on those things and putting in place some physical activity weekly, then I will see the results I want.  With the action of physical activity, I should see some weight loss, which helps me reach my longer term goal.

Maybe that healthier me by the summer is only 10-15 pounds down, but feeling great and can touch her toes.  Well then I don’t want to be disappointed that I’m not at some number on the scale and miss out on my achievements.  I really want to encourage you to be open to the results you are seeing with your changes.

In the past I have kept my professional life of being a health coach separate from my blog and sewing.  On Instagram I noticed a hashtag of #sweatnsew and started looking at what others are doing.  I slowly started melding my two worlds together in 2014 and 2015.  To be successful I can’t mask what I do and what I love any longer.  I need to find a way to bring them all together.  That’s why I started the hashtag of #healthysewist.  I want to encourage others to work towards their healthier version of themselves.

I’m not going to sell you gimmicks, quick fixes, or things that are not scientifically based.  Actually, I don’t want to sell you anything.  I want to motivate you to get healthy and be your best self.  Yes, I have degrees and certifications from reputable institutions and organizations to back up anything I say.  Things that I share will be from reputable resources, preferably those that tend to be peer reviewed.

  • BS in Kinesiology from Indiana University (kinesiology means the study of human movement)
  • MS in Kinesiology from Indiana University
  • American Council for Exercise – Health Coach
  • American College of Sports Medicine – Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist
  • American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant

Throughout 2016 you’re probably going to see a bit more about health and wellness on here.  Sewing is my stress reducer, but it also encourages me to stay sedentary sometimes.  It’s a double edge sword for me.

Are you ready to get healthy together?

Let’s connect via comments or social media.  I’m @quiltytherapy on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.  Have a success story or want to share your goals with others?  I’d love to chat and profile you.


The Healthy Sewist 

Becky with Sarcastic Quilter 

Sarah with Craftyfesta

Jaye with Artquilter