As I mentioned in my last post, I’m having trouble keeping motivated with my walking and physical health. It’s been a challenge. I have struggled since hurting my knee late last year, and I keep telling myself that I am going to try other forms of exercise, but I’ve failed to do it.
I have wanted to incorporate exercise bands and do yoga, which I have always enjoyed; I just haven’t gotten there. Music usually motivates me, but lately it hasn’t helped.
I’ve also put a lot of miles on my legs over the past few years, and I get bored easily, thank you, neurodivergent brain, and I am surprised I kept up with the walking as long as I did. I even finished my last challenge without a word or a Walking Wednesday update because I wasn’t that into it.
I do need to rectify one thing and give a big congratulations to my bestie. She finished a few days before me. She did an excellent job. I have started the next challenge, but it is less than 100 miles, which makes the whole experience kind of meh! But I do not want to give up on this!
Challenge Excepted
So, I’m thinking of ways to challenge myself more, including revamping my walking updates so it isn’t so tedious. I am also hoping to do a bigger challenge soon as part of a team effort. My mom and bestie have agreed to join me, and we will walk close to 2,500 miles as a team. I hope a few of you will join us to add to the experience and lighten the load. We plan to start in the new year, so maybe it can be a New Year’s Resolution for you.
What do you do to stay motivated in your exercise routines? Any low cost suggestions for a Gal Reinventing? Substitute teaching does not pay enough for gym memberships 😉
A Cooking Challenge
I have also tried to spend more time cooking at home. I’m doing this to save money and help prevent myself from indulging in rich foods. I used to love cooking, but in recent years it’s been a challenging.
Before I started substitute teaching, I spent most of my time on the computer. That meant wanting to get outside whenever anyone was available to go somewhere. Which usually involved eating out.
Now my teaching means I don’t have a steady schedule and can’t get into a rhythm. This is a habit I have been desperately trying to break, and I’m searching for ways to get and not spend money. So lately, I have been cooking more dinners at home and hope to start sharing some “healthy-ish” recipes soon.
Keeping My Mental Health in the Forefront
I also need to continue to take better care of my mental health. It is not always easy, but I am trying. Getting out and substitute teaching has helped; even though some students can challenge me, I enjoy the challenge.
I’ll admit I have become known as the strict substitute. Some students actually sigh and give me a look when they see me coming 😂. I swear I am not that mean, but I learned early on that I needed to be firm because even second graders will try to pull a fast one on you. Trust me. It has happened!
I always tell them my job is to keep them on track so when their teacher is back in the classroom, they can pick up like they were never gone. The students don’t always appreciate it, but their teachers do. At least I learn something new every day, and I challenge myself.
Through all of this, I am working on giving myself grace every day while trying to keep a positive attitude as I navigate my new world. It is not always easy, but I remind myself that I am worth it, and so is this journey!
Until My Next Musing!
