On health: Losing my “degree weight”

People these days are busy. I know I am. And busy means that certain things that should be a part of the daily routine get skipped — like taking care of your health. Health is not nearly as large a part of life as it should be, and yet, without health, we will have no life to speak of.

As I’ve mentioned, I have been so wrapped up in my master’s degree work that I haven’t noticed what has been happening to my body. The endless days of sitting — first at my desk at work all day, and then at my home desk writing papers — combined with candy snacking, toast for dinner because it’s quick and easy, and wine-fueled paper writing evenings, has really taken its toll on my fitness and, let’s just say, body shape. I’ve put on some “degree weight.” And it’s now time to get back to my pre-degree weight. When I say that, I’m not just referring to pounds (although they’re definitely there), but to fitness levels. I know I’ve lost muscle and endurance as well. Walking up several flights of stairs ain’t as easy as it used to be.

I work in marketing communications in a health care organization and so every day I am surrounded by healthy and active living messages. I can’t help but notice and take heed, right? Well now it’s time to really pay attention. Dropping the guilt and dropping the pounds.

Two great health blogs that I’ve noticed from organizations similar to mine are:

• ParticipACTION – a new post almost every day with simple ways to work activity into your daily routine (like always taking those damn stairs!) and tips on improving your active lifestyle.
• Healthy Families BC – features posts from a great variety of authors about activity, food and nutrition.

I highly recommend you check these out for inspiration and motivation. I’ll be right there with you!

My get fit plan for the next while will include walking to and from work when it’s not raining, running on my treadmill when it is raining and going to my yoga studio 2-3 times per week to get my stretch on. Thankfully with summer around the corner, I’ll be getting outside, doing what I love the most: enjoying the outdoors. Expect many posts to come on my hiking/kayaking/camping trips!

Remember, it’s not just about the lbs, but about your health, and it should be important to us all.

Wish me luck!