I’ve been thinking about my top health and fitness decisions, and I was surprised how fast this list came to mind. In recent years, I’ve had a better grip on my mental and physical well-being, and I can attribute it to the following five things:
- Quitting My Full-Time Job. I had such a hard time at my previous place of employment. I was good at my job and working in a field that I thought I loved, but, really, I didn’t. It didn’t bring me that much happiness or even a sense of accomplishment, and honestly, I became stressed, depressed, and unhealthy because of it (overeating, migraines, etc.). Since I gave up that toxic part of my life, I don’t get migraines, I’m not depressed, and I am so much happier (and I eat better too!).
- No Soda. I’ll be honest, this is something that I constantly have to work on because I love Dr Pepper. I used to drink it all the time, but now I only very rarely drink any kind of soda. I just feel better when I stick to water, and the smaller waistline is a bonus.
- BodyPUMP. I’m fairly new to this fitness class, but it’s totally my jam. I love to go to class, work hard, and feel empowered after. Now I can do push-ups like they’re no big deal, planks aren’t scary, and, the best part, lifting weights is awesome. If you don’t have a strength routine, I highly encourage you to find one you like. I feel and see myself transforming, and I love it.
- Yoga. I love everything about yoga. I can kind of be all over the place, and yoga centers me, helps me set an intention for my day/week/life, and helps me get stronger. I’m so glad I have found a place for yoga in my life.
- Running. What started out as a stress-reliever in college has transformed me. I have met wonderful people and have done things I never thought I was capable of doing (half marathons and triathlons and other races). I don’t really know what else to say about running except that I never thought I’d love it and now I don’t know what I’d do without it.
There you have it, my five all-time best health and fitness decisions. This post is linked up with others for The Fit Dish Link-Up. Thanks to Jill Conyers at JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy at TheFitSwitch.org for hosting. Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.
I’m also linking up with April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, Patty from My No-Guilt Life, and Erika from MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run!
What are your all-time best health and fitness decisions?
Do you drink soda?
Have you ever attended a pump class? Would you?
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Hey there! Linking up for the first time today! Such a good topic huh? I like yours about cutting out soda. I did that a couple years ago and haven’t touched it since. Doesn’t even appeal to me anymore. Yoga is one of my top 5 too! I’ve become such a better, more calm and understanding person since I started practicing more seriously. I have not done body pump but I have combat and love it! Have you done it? Maybe I should dust it off and plop it in soon! 🙂
Welcome! I loved this topic. Glad to meet another yoga enthusiast. It’s really the best, isn’t it? I find that I’m just a happier person because of it. You should try BodyPump. Group aerobics and Zumba aren’t really my thing, but pump is different–to me anyway. It’s a fun way to lift weights and burn some calories. I haven’t tried combat, but I’ve heard good things. My gym doesn’t offer it, though. I will try it, though. I’m determined now! 🙂
Mine:
1) Quitting smoking. Seriously the worst thing ever. My neck and chest sometimes still feel sore and irritated. The change after I quit was remarkable though. Night and Day.
2) Moving to the city. Suburban life isn’t healthy. Sod that. Driving cars everywhere is a drag.
3) Waking up early every day. It’s simple. Make the most out of your day. Get tired by the time you sleep.
4) Stop worrying about whether things are organic/natural/gmo/ect; it doesn’t matter. Just be thankful for everything you get. It feels unreal.
5) Going to church every Sunday. It’s an excuse to take a short run (albeit in nice clothes) Spiritual activity boosts the immune response. Sometimes a good cry is just what the body needs.
These are great! Way to quit smoking. It’s so bad for you in so many ways. I love your #5. You really do just need a good cry sometimes. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Running and yoga were definitely some of the best decisions I made too! Good for you for leaving a job that you hated–that takes a ton of courage!
Glad we’re in the same club with running and yoga. They’re the best. Yeah, it took me awhile to get the guts to quit, but when I did, the change was incredible. 🙂
I definitely agree with 2-5! Running, yoga, and body pump are all such important parts of my workout routine. I gradually stopped drinking soda years ago and now I don’t really like it, which I am grateful for. I know it can be really hard for some people to stop when they are used to drinking it all the time!
After a while, soda just tastes gross to me. I never was really addicted to it, but there was a point when I’d drink it every time we went out, and get refills, etc. It was just too much. I rarely if ever drink it now, and I know it’s helped significantly. Glad you like BodyPump too! I’ve only been at it for like a month, but I can already feel and see changes. Amazing! 🙂
Hooray for quitting soda! That’s a really huge step and makes such a big difference in your health! I’m really glad that you’re a lot happier now that you’ve quit your job! <3 I've never done a body pump class, but it looks like it'd be fun!
You should try pump. It’s a really fun way to add strength training in. The music’s great, and the choreography never gets stale since it changes all the time. I really am so much happier after quitting my job. Thank you so much for your kind words!
Lovely list! I would love to go to a BodyPump class sometime. They do have them in a neighboring town, so if I find childcare, I’m in! Running is my stress-reliever, too!
Thank you! I hope you can find childcare to try out pump. I’m sure you’ll love it. 🙂
I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. I gave it up because the artificial sweeteners gave me terrible migraines. I love bodypump and really need to go more often!
Oh no! Migraines are the worst! I’m glad you found that trigger and gave it up! I’m pretty new to pump, but I’m loving it so far. It’s such a great workout.
Drinking water was the biggest difference for me.
Drinking water was huge for me too! It’s my favorite.
I never use to be a huge soda drinker. I would have some every now and then, but I never needed to have it. Now I find it way too sweet. The only think I like about it is bubbles.
One of my best decisions was to do a whole30. I realised a lot of things when I did that program. I learned so many health benefits for my family too. Like how gluten really irritates my son’s eczema.
Starting my blog was also a great personal decision for me. It’s changed in so many ways, but in a good way.
Water just works better for me. 🙂 I’ve looked into doing the Whole30, but I haven’t taken that step. I’m sure it would benefit me too. I’d be interested to see its effects. I’m so glad you found blogging. It’s really great, and I love the health and fitness community. Looking forward to reading it! 🙂
I haven’t had a soda in years. The time or 2 when I thought I wanted one I was immediately shocked by how chemically it tastes. No artificial sweeteners either.
Love body pump!
#fitfamlove
I’m seeing that a lot of people like pump. I never knew it was so popular, but I’m glad I found it.
Water’s the way to go! 🙂
Thanks for the love!
cute blog! giving up soda is a life changer I feel so much better with out it- water and greentea are the way to go for me!
Thank you! I hear ya, sister! I love water so much. It’s made giving up soda almost completely a lot easier.
GIrl reading your #1 is speaking to me right now. One day I’ll be brave like you!! Yay no soda – that is so awesome 🙂 I started with bodypump and it seriously changed my life, I may teach that class one day, it was so fun! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It seriously took me six months to work up the courage to quit my job, but it was so, so, so great for me and my family. I haven’t done much weightlifting (except on sports teams in high school a million years ago), so I thought I’d give pump a try. I really do love it. It’s fun to be strong! You should teach it! 🙂
Whitney, I love your blog. The header? Gorg! And, love your writing. So happy you linked up so I could find you. Looking forward to getting to know you better! And, thanks for all the inspiration about running and yoga. I am hoping to do my first tri this summer, and do more yoga. Thanks for the healthy kick in the butt! Take care!
You are just so sweet! Thank you! I’m stoked to be linking up. I’m so excited for you doing your first tri! I had a blast (mostly) at my first tri. Good luck! I’m actually trying to figure out when I’ll be doing my next one (which will be my second). I need yoga in my life or I go a tad crazy. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Starting to practice yoga was definitely a huge, positive decision for me, too. Now I’m a yoga instructor and I can’t imagine my life without yoga. I’ve mostly given up soda, too (except for a ginger beer here and there) but I do drink my fair share of sparkling water. It makes staying hydrated less boring.
It’s my goal to be a yoga instructor one day. I need yoga in my life. 🙂
Migraine sufferer here. I completely agree that my stress levels as they are related to my job affect my migraine status. Lately, quitting my job crosses my mind more than I would like to admit for I fear that it is affecting my overall health and well-being. I’m trying to tough it out. But, at what point do I decide that my health is more important than being financially stable… I hate that it is such a tough spot to be in. Thanks for sharing!
Good for you for toughing it out even though it’s hard, and migraines are no fun at all. The financial aspect definitely affected my decision, and it took me a good 6 months to talk myself into quitting with encouragement from my husband. And while still at my job, I tried to make myself take more breaks, not to stay late, etc., so I could see whether that would help. In my case, it didn’t, so I had to leave. Luckily, I was able to go back to a previous at-home, low-stress job for significantly less pay, but it worked for me. My decision definitely isn’t the best for everyone and their personal circumstances. I sincerely wish you the best of luck. 🙂
I definitely struggle with giving up Diet Mtn Dew. I leave it for months and then slip and I’m addicted again! Sounds like you’ve made some amazing choices that have really paid off. Thanks for linking up with us.