BE Habitual

There is nothing quite as satisfying, life-changing, and exhilarating as experiencing your mind and body’s transformation to a better self. This summer I was blessed to have gone through what can only be described as a metamorphosis of my being that I believe will unquestionably change the trajectory of my life in the most positive of ways. No, I didn’t start therapy or read a self-help book or attend a self-growth retreat. All I did is form one, new, simple habit - I started walking. I know that may sound easy to many of you, but I hope my story will be a testament to the fact that even small changes can have huge impacts.

For reasons I can’t explain, I decided to start a diet and exercise routine precisely on June 26th. I’ve wanted to drop a few pounds for a while and was always coming up with excuses. The main one being that it was hard to eat less and healthier when I was cooking for family members who weren’t doing the same. And, even though I occasionally walked or biked, etc. I had no real exercise plan or daily schedule. So…and this is what I mean about ‘reasons I can’t explain’…the urge to start just literally hit me on the 26th. It wasn’t like I had an indulgent night of eating or stepped on the scale or noticed some extra jiggling in my thighs…the motivation entered my mind and, for once, I let it fully take shape.

My goal was simple…to loose a few pounds. As I’m sure you’ve read before, experts say it takes 21 days to form a habit but, this seemed excessive and a bit intimidating to me. So, the first rule I broke was that I would commit to exercising for 10 days straight instead of 21. I thought “Screw the research! I want to set a goal that I feel is actually achievable!" The second rule I broke was that I wasn’t going to start running marathons or join an Orange Theory. {Shoutout to all my very fit friends that do these!} Instead, I would commit to doing something I enjoyed even though it wouldn't be deemed less challenging by mainstream exercisers….I would walk. Now, breaking these two rules was HUGE for me. By being honest with myself, trusting my instincts, and letting go of perceived pressures to keep up with the “Jones'-Kardashians-athletic-peeps” LOL, I was making decisions that would help me succeed.

I committed to walking every day- rain or shine, hot or humid for 50-60 minutes for 10 days straight. I followed a scenic loop around my neighborhood that ended up being about 3.5 miles long. Since my goal was weight loss, I also pledged to eat a very low calorie diet for those same 10 days. Breakfast consisted of coffee with a splash of oat milk, steel cut oatmeal and fresh berries. Occasionally, I would switch that out for a sugarless cold brew smoothie with oatmeal and banana. Lunch was my biggest meal and consisted mostly of salads without dressing or brown rice and veggie burgers. Dinner- typically my favorite and biggest meal of the day- was either a salad or soup. For snacks I stuck with unsalted nuts or a piece of fruit. I eliminated dairy, meat, sugar, and alcohol.

The first few days were the easiest. I was energized by having decided on some goals I thought were attainable and my body was eager to do the work my mind chose. I got up early to beat the heat, managed cooking two meals (one for me and one for the fam) with ease, and despite some sore muscles- was coasting along. Then, I got tired and hungry…really, really hungry. It turns out eating soup in the July heat while your family eats burgers and fries is harder than it sounds! But, I dug deep into my willpower vault and told myself that it was just for 10 days and that I could do it! And I did! I persisted and eventually, somewhere towards the end of my 10 days the magic of habit formation started to take over.

I began to look forward to my walks almost immediately upon finishing one. I started to crave the nuts and the apple and not miss my glass of wine. I even dabbled with different equipment at the gym on rainy days- learning that rowing is an exercise I really enjoy. All this was happening while I watched my weight drop, my waist reappear, and my legs get more shapely. But, the best part of the whole experience turned out to be something completely unexpected.

At the end of the 10 days, yes, I achieved my goal of losing weight (5 lbs!) but the most magical transformation happened in my brain! It turns out that 10 straight days of walking (the healthy eating contributed too, but I attribute this mostly to the walking) made me happier. A lot happier! And, to be clear, I wasn’t unhappy before I started. In fact, I would say I was pretty darn happy, but endorphins are REAL and boy did they work their magic on me!

The bonus happiness boost turned out to be much more impactful that losing those 5 lbs. I had unknowingly created what I call my perfect Happiness Cocktail: one part endorphin-inducing-walking with one hour of time in nature listening to music, combined with a healthy portion of ‘blue mind’ {Note: I am fortunate to live on the James River in Virginia and you can read about the benefits of being near water and what 'blue mind' is HERE}. Exercise, nature, music, and water is the combo that has changed my life. I no longer needed willpower to get myself to exercise because I had formed this habit that gave me an overall sense of Joie de vie…or Joie de marcher to be more exact! The happiness I’ve acquired from my efforts completely morphed my new routines into habits with ease. I am henceforth a daily walker and BOTH my body and brain will continue to benefit.

The message I want to convey is this…when inspiration hits you, listen to it. Make a decision to change something in your life and don’t be afraid to make your own rules. Set goals that work for YOU. Dig deep into your vault of willpower when things get tough. Lean on support from your friends and family to power through it. Stay focused and let the magic of repetition and time help you to form your new habit. The result might be the emergence of a life-changing, health-generating, and, most importantly...happiness-producing habit.