Transforming my life: you tell me what to do, and I'll do it

[spotcheck]

So, it's my birthday next week, and it's got me thinking. My life isn't where I want it to be. I've become a bit too fat, a bit too unhealthy, a bit too reclusive.
I want to challenge myself to creating some really positive habits, but beyond 'going to the gym' and 'eat less crap' I've drawn a blank. I don't really drink, don't smoke...
So- anyone want to give me some ideas to incorporate into a healthy year?

Set yourself some goals to work towards?

C25k… run a 5k park run… run 10k, run a 10k race… half marathon? Just as an example.

Read The happiness project by Gretchen Rubin and do the exercises

Volunteer at a park run or do a park run!

Oooh, I've never heard of the Happiness Project- I'll give it a look.

And I'm definitely going to include more exercise. My ass has taken the hit for my unhealthy lifestyle the last few years....😂

Intermittent fasting

Make sure you drink plenty of water (I carry a water bottle everywhere) - always refill as soon as it's empty, don't wait to feel thirsty.

I try and do 10000 steps a day (my 12 month average is currently about 7900).

Try to get my 7 portions of fruit and veg a day (eat loads of veg sticks at lunch).

I try and do easy, short yoga with Adrienne videos.

Try and take time to chill out, walk in nature or the local park? I created a pinterest board of things i wanted to do when I became a bit reclusive, and I tried to tick them off like a project eg films I wanted to see, places to visit, exhibitions, classes etc. Easier pre covid I know.

Good luck (and happy early birthday!)!

Commit to drinking at least 2 litres of water a day , extra to what you currently drink.

Eat more protein

Gratitude diary.

And I should take my own advice…

Join some sort of regular club or activity to get out and meet new people

Lovely ideas here OP. I think gratitude is so important. Perhaps schedule any health checks you need to. Do something creative whether baking or painting.

Cut way down on wheat (so bread, pies, cakes, pizza etc). Rice or oats instead and a big variety of fruit, veg, beans.

For creativity try reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Join a hobby group.

Either something you're reasonably confident/good at or something that's a bit outside your comfort zone. Or both.

For example, I go to karate and choir practice. Not necessarily in that order!

Sign up to a virtual challenge. I’m doing lands end to John o groats (over a year)About 150 miles to go….it’s definitely got me exercising more.

Get a life coach. Changed my life.

Start your day with a glass of water and piece of fruit before breakfast. Move away from mobile phone after 8 o clock, start swimming, go for walks, read a book. Frozen grapes are gorgeous!!!

Oh and I know someone who sits on t her kitchen table in peace, eyes closed, doing and saying nothing for 5 minutes every morning, really must try that! Go for a swim!

Would meditation be your thing? I’d argue it’s ultimately the only way to transform your life as it’s teaching you to gain control over your mind. If you want I could recommend a meditation centre local to you where you could try it.

Go to a well recommended chiropractor. Puts a springer in your step and a wiggle in your hips!

Oh sorry at her table. She sits at her table!!

What about joining something like the National Trust or local woodlands and planning days out where you walk trails and grounds/gardens. Walking good exercise and exciting to explore new places.

All sounds good, but how about doing a wine tasting course, so the drinks you do have are fabulous and give you a balance to all the super healthy stuff. You do need to enjoy life as well.

Yoga
Face and hand cream every night
Cooking from scratch
Writing a journal

Make sure your home is clean, organised, and peaceful. Your living environment greatly impacts your mental health, which in turn impacts everything else.

Come off social media (I don't think MN counts as SM does it?).
Train for a challenge (swim, bike, run, whatever you like) and earn yourself a medal.
Start thinking about and appreciating your body in terms of all the things it does for you, and allows you to do, instead of how it looks.
Decide to be unashamedly YOU, and if people don't like it, it's their loss.

Life changing, all of them!
Good luck!