Paige's E Health Blog: Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Weekly Update

SMART Goal:

To engage in an outdoor activity 3 times a week, for example; walking, running, biking, sledding, playing tennis, etc.

Successes and Challenges:

The end of last week I was recovering from a very bad cold, cough and fever, so I had to take it pretty easy for a couple of days. I was planning on running instead of walking last week, to try to increase the intensity of my exercise, but I failed to do so late last week. Although, yesterday my boyfriend and I went on a twenty minute run around his neighborhood since it was soo nice out. We also ended up biking to CubFoods later to buy stuff for dinner. Overall, I have been managing to get outside three times a week. Sometimes it is hard to pull myself away from a TV show I am watching, or the weather may not be the best, but I have overcome those challenges by trying to realize the feeling of gratitude after I complete my outdoor exercise. Since the semester is coming to an end, I feel that it is going to become harder to get outside since I am going to be swamped with homework most days. To overcome this I am going to see as getting outside as a "breather" from my studies, and hopefully that will motivate me to get outdoors.

Feelings Experienced:

After I am done exercising outdoors I feel completely refreshed. Since most times I get outside with another person it gives me time to "bond" or whatever, with whoever I decide to exercise with...usually being my boyfriend or roommate. I feel that when I have a lot to deal with it feels the best exercising outdoors during those times, since it kind of works as a stress reliever for me. Although, when I got sick all I wanted to do was stay in bed, but overall, the feelings I have experienced are very positive.

Learned:

I learned that when you are sick you gotta take it easy, whether you would like to or not, because if you don't you will probably just end up getting even sicker. I also am figuring out that there are several great hiking trails closeby my house, so I plan on visiting those areas soon. I haven't hiked much, but I enjoy walking and jogging, so I thought this would be a good plan.

For Next Week:

I plan on running rather than walking and to get on a hiking trail. Although, next week is looking like a very busy week homework-wise and work hour wise, so if need be I will lessen the time of exercise by ten minutes, but still get outside three times next week.

*Here are some pictures of my boyfriend and I in West Duluth. We found this sweet river with lots of paths to walk on and we ended up roaming around for almost an hour. It was kinda chilly out, but it was pretty fun!!