So the hurricane of THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE RIGHT THIS SECOND has settled down somewhat... at least the hurricane of book-related things. Now, I'm facing end-of-school things like the 100 I-Search papers that came in last week that I need to grade. And child-related things like getting my kids baptised and, like, feeding them.
But last week I had a moment of clarity. This year has been just insane, with launching Slide and revising Impostor and having a baby and creating a new dual credit course for my seniors. And I realized that, with all of that going on, I've really picked up some unhealthy habits. It's so much easier to pick up fast food on the way home rather than cook something. I haven't had the time to work out at all.
Yeah, those are all excuses. I've been stressed, and I haven't been dealing with the stress in the right way. So this last week I bought an elliptical machine. It was my favorite thing to work out on in college, and I figure I don't have an excuse if it's right here in my house.
For the past five mornings, I've awakened at 5 a.m. to get in a half hour of exercise. It's awesome because it's dark and quiet and I can think about the story I'm working on. Then, in the evening, I do another half hour before taking my daughter on a walk to the park.
I'd forgotten how good exercise can make you feel. The endorphin rush, the feeling of being in control. The satisfaction of doing something positive for yourself.
Hey, I know I'm not going to get healthy overnight, but I'm on my way.
You have had quite the year! Getting back into the groove of things takes time, and that's okay. You're on the path!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Heather! :)
DeleteAwesome!! The hardest part of exercising is sticking with it. Endorphins counteract stress hormones so the more you exercise the less stressed you'll feel.
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel so much better after I've done my workout. :)
DeleteI love my elliptical time. It's when I can read and catch up with thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand about stress and bad eating habits. You've had a exciting but busy year.
Isn't the elliptical awesome? I don't usually read while working out, but I do use the time to catch up on How I Met Your Mother. ;)
DeleteHi Jill:
ReplyDeleteJust started reading your blog and love it! Wanted to know how you would encourage first time bloggers/writers to attract followers. What did you do to get the ball rolling?
Thanks and P.S. I just read SLIDE in about 48 hours and really enjoyed it!
Hi Amy!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it! :)
At the beginning, I went out and followed a lot more people and commented on their blogs. I don't have as much time as I'd like to do that anymore, but it's a great way to make friends!
Thanks for stopping by! :)
I would love to have your ambition. How is it that you get yourself to get up and out of bed so early when it is not a necessity?
ReplyDeleteI also just started following your blog and love it as well. I found you on my sisters Dark Novels blog. I'm glad I was snooping because now I have a new book to read.