Let Your Mind Blossom

Author: Hannah Hall, Challenge America Program Coordinator

Here are five actionable tips to help you set yourself up for a successful week of training and prioritizing your health:

1. AVOID THE SNOOZE BUTTON AT ALL COSTS 

It’s me, hi, I’m the problem. Me and my 6 alarms! When that alarm goes off, it’s tempting to hit the snooze button and steal a few more minutes of sleep. However, this habit can disrupt your sleep patterns and make you feel groggy. Instead, challenge yourself to get up when the alarm sounds (the first one!). When my alarm goes off (ok or the second) I take a breath and start counting down from 10. By the time I get to 1, my brain feels more adjusted and ready to put my feet on the ground. This simple tweak to our routine builds discipline and feels so good starting your day on a positive note.

2. PREP YOUR MEALS AHEAD OF TIME: 

When I forget to meal-prep, my entire week gets thrown off. I end up getting take-out, or going the the grocery store in a rush and buying nothing helpful. Meal prep can be as simple or complex as you want! Plan out all your meals in advance, or dedicated an hour or two  on the weekend chopping veggies, fruit and prepping some protein to have on hand to make quick meals and snacks. You’ll have healthy options readily available, making it easier to stick to your plan during the busy workweek.

3. LESS SCREEN TIME:

We all spend a significant portion of our day in front of screens, whether it’s for work, leisure, or doom scrolling. Consider cutting back on screen time in general, but especially at night. (This will also help with tip 1 if you’re prone to staying up late on your phone in bed!). Start small, with no phone 30 minutes before bed, then an hour before bed. Reducing screen time can improve your focus, mental clarity, and sleep, helping you stay on track and feeling good.

4. PRE-SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS:

Treat your workout as any other important appointment or meeting. Put them in your calendar and treat them with the same level of commitment. By having a set schedule, you’re less likely to skip and more likely to achieve your fitness goals.

5. CALL A FRIEND FOR SUPPORT:

My favorite workout tip: texting a friend. Accountability can make a world of difference in your fitness journey. Reach out to a friend or workout buddy who meet in class. Having someone to exercise with or simply share your progress with can provide motivation and encouragement. A text from a friend the night before to meet them in class does wonders on my motivation the next morning!

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