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Healthy Habits

Last Sunday, I completed the Good Habits merit badge from the Rebel Badge Book. Here are my thoughts on each of the habits I practiced.

Life Admin - Keep a diary to track how much money I am spending

This was an eye opening task. The spending diary really highlighted how much money I spend on non-essential items. I treat myself a lot! I don't have children or pets, my car doesn't cost me much and my husband and I have a small mortgage. I spend a bit willy-nilly at times. Now that I am more aware of my spending habits I plan to be more mindful of how I am using my money. I do believe that there needs to be a good balance between saving for the future and living in the now. Setting myself budgets and sticking to them is something I need to look at. I feel I need to get my finances more organised. I have a small amount of savings which I would like to grow.  Setting up a monthly direct debit into a savings account would be a good plan of action.

Health and Fitness - Regularly walk in nature or do yoga

Wow, I didn't realise how stiff and sore I was these days until I took up yoga again! This is definitely a habit I will be keeping up. My muscles are so tight and my balance is terrible. I only started practising yoga a few weeks ago for the first time in years and already I am noticing a difference. I have had muscular pain in my right calf for the past year and a half and it has now eased off. I still have a lot of tension in my back and left thigh which I am hoping yoga will help too over time.

I love walking in nature. Whether it's a walk on the beach, in a forest or in the countryside, the act of getting away from traffic and built up areas and breathing in fresh air is good for both body and soul. As the weather improves, I will feel even more motivation to get outside and walk.

Household Chores - Keep on top of the washing and ironing

When I set my intentions for the household chores habit I did not account for the fact that I hardly ever have to do any ironing in winter. I completed one pile of ironing and have not needed to do any ironing since. At this time of year I live in jumpers and they don't tend to need ironing. I have however become a lot better at keeping on top of the washing and tidying clothes away. I feel I can relax more at home when all my clothes are neatly put away and not dumped in a pile on the kitchen table or hanging on airers for days after they have already dried. Hopefully I will keep this up!

Self Care - Spend time reading or listening to audiobooks

My podcasts have taken a backseat over the last three months whilst I have been listening to some wonderful audiobooks instead. I have used up my Audible credits which I had built up and have also started reading an actual hardcopy book. I have now cancelled my Audible subscription as I want to read my actual books I own. I do enjoy the feel of a real book in my hand and escaping the digital world for a while. I will post more about the books I have read and listened to when I finish my Reader badge. The downside about reading an actual book rather than listening to an audiobook is that I find it harder to fit into my day to day life. In the evening after work my eyes are too tired to read a book so the only time I can read is if I have some free time at the weekend. Curling up on the sofa with a coffee and a good book is one of life's simple pleasures.

Healthy Habits - Tara Lee Yoga DVD


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