Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 10: Overall Project Reflection

My SMART goal:  To engage in an outdoor activity 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes at a time.  When the weather started getting chilly and rainy, I decided to switch up my goal: to get outside if the weather permited, and if it didn't then I would just workout at the UMD gym.

Successes and challenges:  I found that when I had few work hours for the week, the weather was nice and sunny out, and my school work load was not that heavy was when it was the easiest to get outside.  It also helped me out greatly to have a "buddy" to get outside with, such as my boyfriend or my roommate.  I also realized that I really enjoyed running and/or walking at night.  I found it to be challenging to get my butt out the door when it was cold and windy out, so I thought the best answer to this problem was to start working out at the UMD gym instead of outdoors.  I also recognized that getting outdoors worked as a great stress reliever for me and made me feel so refreshed and energized.

Benefits and what I learned:  After starting to get outside regularly I realized that I slept much better at night than I previously did.  I felt healthier, more alert, and more focused during the weeks I attained my lifestyle change.  I learned that if I gave my self a goal within limits, I could attain it if I tried my best.  I also realized that after I reached my lifestyle change, it became second nature to me.  Although, there were some bumps along the way and adjustments that were needed.  This lifestyle change was very fun and I was bettering my health at the same time.

How did others/environment benefit:  Umm.....well my boyfriend and roommate benefited because I ended up dragging them outdoors with me most weeks to exercise with me.  Also, maybe if people saw me running outdoors, it would give them the motiviation to get outside and enjoy the scenary of Duluth.  I don't see the environment benefitting much in the situation.  Maybe next time I get outdoors I could include picking up trash that I see while exercising.

Will I continue this behavior: I totally want to continue this behavior.  I plan to stick to my exercise program of 3 times a week.  I will plan to workout in a gym until we get enough snowfall to get outside to go sledding or ice skate or something.  This lifestyle change has improved my health and attitude.

Recommendations for others:  I feel that it is extremely important to make an attainable goal, but don't make it too easy to reach.  I would recommend doing something that will better your health and/or the environment.  If you are having difficulties on reaching your goal, make some modifications, just don't give up.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 9: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal:  is to exercise 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes, preferably engaging in an outside activity, but if the weather does not permit, then indoors.

Successes and Challenges:  This week I did not stick to my SMART goal as I intended to.  I was planning on exercising at least three times this week for thirty minutes a time, but I only went to the gym once.  This is the worst I have ever done with my SMART goal, what a shame.  A big challenge I faced was that it was Thanksgiving break for most of this week, which usually consists of eating lots, being lazy lots, sleeping lots, and shopping lots.  I thought I would at least get to the gym two or three times with my sister when I went back home for break, but we only ended up going once.  Although, if you count shopping for 8 hours straight (4AM to Noon) as a work-out, then you can add one more exercise onto the week.  My feet were so sore after and I totally passed out on the couch when I got home.  There were plenty of times when I could have went outside for a twenty minute run or went on a walk with my dog, but I was really pretty unmotivated since I was on vacation.

Feelings Experienced:  I felt like a bum basically all Thanksgiving break.  I ate too much and laid around too much, but it was awesome.  Although, getting to the gym on Sunday with my sister was a good switch up of things and ended up being very refreshing.  If shopping counts as exercise, I got 8 hours worth on Black Friday, but not sure if that is considered a work-out or not.

What I Learned:  That I should have incorporated a walk or two into my Thanksgiving break, because I had plenty of time to do so, and instead I just ended up laying on the couch most of the time and visiting with family.  It would have been better to go for a walk with my mom, dad, sisters, and cousins, instead of just sitting on our butts and chatting.

Plans for Next Week:  Next week is an extremely busy week school work wise.  I have two huge papers to complete, a take home final exam to start, two presentations, and a test!! Ah I'm getting stressed out just thinking about it.  Anyways, I plan to run or walk for at least twenty minutes three times next week.  I feel that this is important to do even though it is such a busy week, because exercising works as a stress reliever for me and it will be a nice break from working on school work.  I am hoping I do better this coming week!!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 8: My SMART Goal

My SMART goal:  To get outside 3 times a week and engage in an activity for at least 30 minutes, such as biking, hiking, running, sledding, etc.

Successes and Challenges:  This week I faced a big weather challenge.  It has been really rainy for the past couple days and getting chilly out quick.  I got outside on Saturday and ran with my boyfriend for a half hour, but other than that I did not get outside.  Although, I decided to use the UMD gym and that was a great workout.  I ran on the treadmill and went on the eliptical and ended up being there for over an hour.  I also had a very busy weekend and week with a heavy load of homework, so that could be another reason why I didn't reach my goal this week.

Feelings Experienced:  As I have said over and over, whenever I exercise I always feel very refreshed!  I also enjoyed exercising indoors, which usually I do not do, but was a good change of things.  I was feeling pretty overwhelmed this week with homework, so getting outside wasn't number one on my priority list, even though it is an important factor of my week.

What did I learn:  I learned that some weeks are going to be busier than others, so you have to prioritize.  I also realized that I should have sat down with my planner and scheduled times and specific days of when I was going to exercise, since I was having a very busy week.  I also found out I do not like running in the rain!!!  I heard from a friend that she enjoys it much, but not me.

Plans for next week:  I figured that it is best for me to exercise indoors (unless it is nice out) until the snow comes.  I looked at the weather for the upcoming week and it looks like all rain!!  Boo.  Also, I think I may have some motivation problems on Thanksgiving Day, so I realize I most likely won't have the guts to get my butt off the couch and outside.  Since I am spending the next five days back home, I am planning to hit up the gym with my sister, since she usually goes a couple times a week.

Happy Thanksgiving break everyone!!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 7: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal:  To get outside 3 times a week, for at least 30 minutes each time.  For example running, walking, rollerblading, sledding, hiking etc.

Successes and Challenges:  I was successful this week and got outside 3 times.  I went on two walks and played tennis today with my roommate.  Although one challenge I faced was that the weather was rather chilly this weekend.  My sisters came up for the weekend, so we decided to bundle up and go walk around down in canal.  We probably walked around for about 30 minutes, but no more since it was quite chilly.  The scenary was so pretty though!  Other than that, I did not face any other challenges, since there hasn't been much rain lately, in comparison to last month.

Feelings Experienced:  Even though most of the days I exercised outdoors were chilly, that did not make me stop going outside to exercise.  I put on a scarf, mittens and even a hat one day.  I felt a little funny, but I when I saw other people running outside that were bundled up, I didn't feel as weird.  Like I have said before in my previous posts, I feel refreshed every time I go outside and exercise.

What I Learned This Week:  I learned that if you have company from out of town it is a great idea for them to get outside and enjoy the beautiful scenary of duluth (esp if they are from the cities), instead of just bumming around in your house all weekend.  It is a great way to "bond", have company while exercising, and it is much healthier than sitting on your butt all weekend stuffing yourself with junk food (which my sisters and I usually do).

Plans for Next Week:  I know the weather is getting cold, but I am still hoping to get outside 3 times a week.  If the weather gets way cold, I plan on exercising indoors, but we'll see what happens.  I also figure that I should start going on runs and walks during the day, because at night it is much more chilly.

Hope everyone's week has been running smoothly!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 6: Weekly Update

SMART Goal:  To engage in an outdoor activity three times a week, such as running, biking, playing tennis, etc.

Successes & Challenges:  This week I did not face many challenges.  I did not have a huge homework load, my work hours were slim, and the weather was beautiful!!  I got outside 3 times this week.  I went for 2 night runs, and when I went home to Plymouth this weekend, my boyfriend and I walked around Minneapolis for over an hour, which was super fun!!  I was going to take some pictures but my camera was dead and I forgot to bring my charger :(  The only challenge I faced this week was late last week when I didn't want to get my butt out of bed.  I told myself that if I go for a run, afterwards I can catch up with Desperate Housewives online, and that made me get going.

Feelings Experienced:  I feel so great after I am done running or walking.  It is very refreshing and my body feels so good afterwards.  I have realized I love running and walking outside when it is night time, rather than during the day.

What I Learned This Week:  That once I got into the groove of things of regularly exercising, I now cannot see myself not doing this even after this class is over.  I also have figured out what what I enjoy doing best and to give myself a small reward if I am feeling lazy to get outside.

Plans for Next Week:  To stay ontop of my lifestyle change, even though I have a lot of projects to work on next week.  When I feel like I am getting really busy with school work and think I don't have the time to get outside, I am just going to try to remember the feeling I get when I am done running and that will hopefully motivate me to get outside!

These are some of the sites we saw while we walked around Minneapolis....

The Gold Medal Flour Mill

Cherry and Spoon Sculpture

A view of MPLS at night

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!!

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by http://ecochicwithamy.blogspot.com/

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

My goal, as most of you may remember, is to get outside 3 times a week, which unfortunately did not happen this week.  I got very sick (once again) over the weekend with a fever and very bad cough, so I basically slept all weekend and tried to get some homework done.  Although, last thursday (I believe) my roomies and I went down to Canal Park to take our Christmas card picture and I asked them if they would like to walk around the boardwalk, so I could sneak in an outdoor activity, and they agreed.  Other than that, I have not gotten outside at all.  This week I felt like I accomplished nothing, but at the same time I felt exhausted.

My main goal as of now is just to get better and stay better!!!  I am so sick of being sick ahh!!  Mainly because I hate getting behind in classses.  I am also thinking that when I get completely better that I am going to make sure to bundle up when I go outside, to avoid any cold I might get...or else exercise at the UMD gym if the weather is bad.

Next week I am hoping to get outside 3 times, because it feels like I haven't been outside in forever!!  I also realize that I sleep much better at night on the days I get outside, but lately the bad night sleeps could just because of my cough, or maybe both.  Anyways, hope all of your lifestyle changes went better than mine this week!  Stay healthy.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

Hey guys, my SMART goal has been going pretty good.  I have been getting outside at least twice a week, but most times three times a week.  In the last two weeks I have gone on a couple walks with my boyfriend, played ultimate football with some cousins at a family get together, went for a run at the boardwalk down in canal, and when I was in the cities I played tennis with my sister a couple times. 

For the past two weeks my lifestyle change has not been too hard because my homework load has not been too heavy and my work hours have been little.  Even though walking is not an intense activity, I have come to realize that I really enjoy it.  It kind of works as a stress reliever for me.  I should probably start running more, but honestly I'd rather not (hehe).  The weather is getting cooler now, so I have been wearing a hat and mittens when my boyfriend and I go wandering around his neighborhood, since it's usually after dark.  I also realize it is much easier for me to get outside when I have someone to go with.  It gives me much more motivation and makes it a lot more fun. 

A picture I took on a walk in Duluth

Since it is almost midterm I can tell that my classes are going to become much more time consuming and rigorous, so this may become a conflict.  To overcome this I see that it is still important to get outside, but maybe lessen the amount of time I am outside for.  This does not mean I am not accountable for my lifestyle change, but it is important to adjust the change in order to avoid stress.  Also weather may become a obstacle to overcome.  If weather does not permit for outdoor activity, I will just have to go to a gym or do an areobics video instead...at least I still get to exercise someway.  For next week I am planning to actually run outside at least once, instead of just walking...hopefully I can stick to this goal!!  Have a good week everyone.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2: Weekly Update

My SMART goal was to start getting outside 2-3 times a week.  Thus far, I have been achieving my goal, so I am happy about that.  I first started off writing a list of things that I can do outside, then I decided at the beginning of each week I am going to pick 2-3 days (depending on how busy my week looks) a week to engage in an outdoor activity.  I feel like this has helped me become successful, because by setting time aside to enjoy the outdoors I feel more accountable if I see that I missed a specific day rather than just saying "I didn't have time this week", when really I had 30 minutes here but was just unmotivated to do so.

Some challenges I could face are:
*Heavy school load and work hours
*Weather conditions
*Pure laziness/unmotivated
*Sick/Injuries

Strategies for facing challenges:
*When the school load and work hours seem to be overwhelming one week, I feel that it is still important to get outside and be active, but rather to lessen the outdoors time.  For an example, go for a walk for twenty minutes instead of forty minutes.
*We all know that winter will be here shortly, so I feel that it is important for me to change my activities as the weather changes.  Such as I can go sledding, skiing, snow shoeing and maybe hiking in the snow.  If it is extremely poor weather conditions I can reschedule for a different day or else exercise indoors.
*Some days I will probably just want to be a couch potato when I know I should be outside, but I feel if I found a "buddy" who could come and exercise with me would get me in a better frame of mind.  I could also offer myself a small reward after exercising outdoors, such as renting a movie or eating a favorite food.
*If I become sick I should not strain my body to exercise if it does not feel healthy enough to do so.  Although, sometimes fresh air will make people feel better if they have a headache or such, so I should keep that in mind.

So far, I have gone for a bike ride around my boyfriend's neighborhood, walked to Cold Stone (5 miles round trip) with my boyfriend, and played tennis with my roomie.  After doing each activity I feel so refreshed!! And I feel that on the days that I exercise I seem to fall asleep better at night.  It's fun, but sometimes it is hard to get off my butt and actually get outside.

I feel that my plans, as of now, are going pretty good.  I have been getting outside and sticking to my lifestyle change.  I don't think any modifications are needed as of now.  Hope you all are having a good week!!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 1: My SMART Goal

Over the next ten weeks I want to get outside 2-3 times a week and engage in an outdoor activity, for at least 30 minutes at a time.  This could be running, biking, hiking, tennis, rollarblading, iceskating, snowshoeing, etc.  This lifestyle change may not directly better the environment, but I feel that it is important for people to enjoy their outdoor surroundings, and for me that is not a current priority. 

I want to change this behavior because in the past months I have not been getting the exercise I need.  I feel like I have a lack of energy, I am not in the greatest physical condition, and I am not taking advantage of the great northern outdoors and scenary it has to offer.  I sense that I will sleep better at night, feel rejuvenated during the day and better my mental and physical wellness if I become involved in outdoor activities.

I hope this lifestyle change will be refreshing and motivate me to keep this change a priority even when the class is over.

A view from a hiking trail in Duluth

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 1 hosted by http://ecochicwithamy.blogspot.com/

Intro Post

Welcome to Paige's E Health Blog!  I thought of something a little more creative, but now I can't figure out how to change it, so I guess I'm sticking with this title.

My name is Paige and I turned 20 years old in July.  I transferred to UMD last fall from a community college down in the cities.  I am majoring in Psychology, but not quite sure what I want to do after I graduate, I guess time will tell.  I have two younger sisters and a dog named Scout back at home in Plymouth MN.  I don't know much about Environmental Health, but I'm hoping my blog covers a variety of topics of how we can make the planet a greener place.

There are 6 possible types of posts on my blog. They include:

-Advocacy Project

-Eye Openers

-Reflections

-Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change

-Read 'n' Seed

-Share and Voice

If you notice at the bottom of this post, the categories will be listed as labels. This post is has been labeled with all five kinds of posts.  You will also see the number of each kind of post in my Labels Gadget at the top of the page.  All post titles from now on will begin with one of the categories above.

The members of my web group are:

1. http://mediterraneanmelissa.blogspot.com/


2. http://ashleysgreenlilypad.blogspot.com/

3. http://paigesehealthblog.blogspot.com/

4. http://malsrainforest.blogspot.com/


You can subscribe to my blog by clicking the subscribe gadget in the gadget column. You can also follow my blog by clicking "Follow this Blog" in the gadget column. I am subscribed to all the blogs in my blog list gadget. You can see my complete profile and all the blogs I am following by clicking on "See Complete Profile."


I am looking forward to this course and hoping to become more environmental friendly throughout the semester.  I want to gain knowledge on the environmental troubles the world is facing and become familiar with ideas of how people can change their habits to make the world a cleaner place.  Happy blogging and have a good day everyone!

Blogged for the Welcome Linky Party hosted by http://ecochicwithamy.blogspot.com/.