So, I mentioned before that I’ve been on a bit of a self-improvement kick. I figured I could delve into that a little bit more today.
I’ve been going to the gym regularly for a couple months now & I think I have established this as a habit. It will take continued effort, as I’m very good at quitting things, but I do believe I am seeing the benefits of regular exercise. Mainly, right now my blood pressure is going down a little at a time. Also, the nights I work out I feel great as opposed to the nights I haven’t when I just don’t feel as good.
Considering that exercise is a long term thing that doesn’t pay off immediately (being toned & thinner doesn’t happen overnight I realize) I thought that doing some things that I can see results with will motivate me in the short term.
So here’s the list of things I can improve while working toward a fitter body. I’m working my way down the list to establish these habits – I think trying to catch up all at once would overwhelm me.
1. Hair – cut, color, upgrade to color safe shampoo to keep the color longer. I got the cut last week & I will be coloring later today. Then for the big “reveal” LOL.
2. Complexion – Neutrogena micro-dermabrasion (I’ve had the system for a while but now I’m keeping in the bathtub so I will do this 2-3 times per week), do a weekly facial mask, I also upgraded to Clinique pore minimizer & I love it! So worth the price tag.
3. Eyes – I just got a new eye exam & ordered new glasses plus will be getting contacts as well. This one has been sneaking up on me as I got lasik years ago & my eyes are just at the point where I finally need to wear correction all the time. Sigh… I so enjoyed not wearing anything. I chose a cute pair of glasses that are a bit thinner than my current pair & I think fit me well. Can’t wait to get them!
4. Teeth – want to get the one hour/$40 system. I never can stick to any kind of schedule when it comes to beautifying rituals so I want to get the kit that does it all at once pretty much while I’m watching a movie.
5. Nails – need to get a really good buffer as I’d like to avoid nail polish. I always smudge & it always chips. I have a buffer but it takes FOREVER to make my nails shiny. I am hoping there is a better product. Any suggestions?
6. Body – must eat better! This is another one of those long term things that are really hard for me. I’ve been trying to go without rules & let nothing be off-limits but I think I might need rules. I’m torn – when I try to limit myself I feel deprived & freak out. But when I’m not limiting myself I’m eating everything in sight. I almost think I need professional help with this LOL. I suppose if I can just make a reasonable meal plan every night for the next day it wouldn’t be a big deal to stick to it. Hmmmm, something to think about.
7. Elbows – I have one dry elbow that I need to stick in a grapefruit for a while. I’ve heard that helps. I’ll let you know.
8. Feet – I need to do more regular pedicures. I used to do at least one per month & did my nails once a week. These grooming rituals have fallen by the wayside but I deserve them!
Now, what have you been neglecting to do for yourself? And what are you going to do about it?
4 responses so far ↓
1 Tina // Jul 14, 2009 at 11:26 am
Good for you for coming up with a plan. When I start neglecting myself, I put things on my calendar so it sends me messages. For example, once a month I get an email saying “Deep Condition Hair” LOL
Right now I’m trying to remember to put lotion on every night after I get out of the bath. I used to be so good at remembering but I’ve majorly slacked off and my skin shows the change.
2 Anusha // Jul 14, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Everything sounds fab! I need to really get back to the gym. I was going religiously but then my husband came to California, and I’ve been going places and doing things with him so much that the gym routine fell by the wayside. I really have to get back to that.
I also feel I need to really include more vegetables in my diet and cut down on sugar (not easy with my sweet tooth). I just can’t diet at all, as depriving myself of any kind of food only makes me crave it more, but I’m starting to think in a new way: instead of concentrating on cutting stuff out, I’m going to focus on adding in more nutritious foods to my daily meals. This has worked really well, so far: I eat a lot more salads and veggies than I used to.
As for beauty, I just gave in and started painting my toenails because I realize it’s kind of a must for me in sandal weather. I avoided all kinds of nail polish due to that phthalate scare, but my toenails are too gnarly to go without. Sigh.
One last thing: I have dry skin so I use Aveeno, which is the best lotion, and on extra-dry spots like feet, knees, elbows, etc. I massage a little vitamin E oil into the skin before applying lotion. That has worked wonders!
3 emma // Jul 17, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Hi there. For nails, I found a great 4 in 1 buffer from Revlon. It is white/pink/lavender/blue colored and you use it in a certain order. I use each part 10 times on each nail and it makes my nails really shiny and stronger too. It seems to also help the ends of my nails looks whiter as well.
By the way, you have such pretty legs. I’m very jealous!
4 admin // Jul 21, 2009 at 11:04 am
@Tina – I thought I was the only one that did that LOL.
@Anusha – Yep, the gym is a hard habit to keep up with. Also, I have the same problems with food – especially my sweet tooth. But, like you said, adding good stuff to your diet is great. You don’t think about being deprived!
@emma – thanks for the tip, I will keep an eye out for that at the drugstore.
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