Making the Most of 2021 New Stay At Home Exercise Routine

 Happy New Year and welcome back!  I really needed a break after doing Blogmas.  The province that I am in declared a State of Emergency this week (again) and issued a Stay at Home Order starting today.  Every time this happens, my emotional state tends to dip down a bit.  It's a bit of a rough start to the year but I am determined to make the most of 2021.

I received this exercise bicycle for Christmas.  I didn't ask for it and it was a huge surprise.  I had basically stopped going on hikes due to a couple of heavy snowfalls so my exercise regimen (already quite minimal) had taken a hit.  This bike uses magnets instead of an oldfashioned chain so it is really quiet. It has a digital readout screen to estimate calories burned and distance "travelled."  

The bike also has a pair of bungee cords for working out one's arms.  To be honest, I usually find workouts to be really boring which is why I prefer getting out into nature.  To encourage myself to stick with working out on the bike, I balance my tablet on top and put on a wildlife or travel documentary.  Like many people, the pandemic pounds crept up on me.  There is no doubt that I overindulged massively in emotional eating.  As we have been sheltering in place for almost a year now (!!), I hope to continue working out at home and doing what I can to maintain my health.

Have you been battling the pandemic pounds as well?

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 30: Last Day

It is the last day of the Wellness Challenge!  Woohoo!  Honestly, I can't believe I made it to the finish line. Truth be told, there was a point where I thought to myself, "I can't believe how many bad habits I've accumulated.  How am I even standing up?"  I also wondered what I had gotten myself into.  I wasn't even sure I would be able to keep blogging for 30 days straight.  In a way, throwing out a Challenge into the blogosphere was a way to challenge myself, of keeping me honest.  If you have been following along as a lurker, multiple pats on the back all around!  I bet you thought there would be a huge revelation on the last day.  Well, not really.  On the last day, I think we all deserve a free pass, a day of freedom where we get to feel free of stress and worry, a day where we revel in feeling comfortable in our own skins.  I just wanted to add that all the suggestions posited during the Challenge were exactly that, suggestions.  Each suggestion was like a symbolic apple a day.  It is up to each of us to pick and choose what works in our own lives.  Thanks so much to all of you who silently followed along!

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 28: Choosing The Right Task Lighting For You

via Amazon

Back when I was a poor student, I rented the attic room in a boarding house.  Because it was the attic room, the rent was slightly less than the other rooms.  At the time, I thought I was getting a great deal.  I had the whole of the attic to myself.  It wasn't until the end of the school year that I realized that I had not gotten such a great bargain after all.  There was only one tiny window at one end.  The room which was panelled in dark laminate and had dark carpeting was in perpetual gloom even if all the lights were on.  I would get severe headaches after long bouts of sitting at my desk.  Eventually I realized the headaches were caused by the constant squinting.  With all the studying I was doing, I ended up permanently damaging my eyesight.  Ever since, I have been quite anal when it comes to proper task lighting.  So for Day 28, I want to chat a little about proper lighting in the home.  Broadly speaking, there are 2 types of lighting, ambient and task lighting.  I live in a condo and so changing ambient lighting which usually involves ceiling lighting is not really an option.  This challenge is about relatively easy, doable changes so I am going to focus on task lighting which usually involves desk lamps or lighting for specific tasks.  First, think about your desk or work space and whether you believe it to be adequately lit for the tasks you perform at that area.  Do you work there during day or evening hours?  Simple tasks performed for a minimal amount may only require a decorative table lamp that gives off 360 degree light.  However, if you are there for long periods of time, a desk lamp that shines a light focused on your work space or electronic devices might be better suited to your needs.  You may also wish to think about adjustability. OttLite is a highly respected brand and the OttLite Executive Desk Lamp pictured above is an example of a desk lamp designed for task lighting. A rotating shade and and height adjustments mean you can angle it to suit your lighting needs.

Source Image 

There are so many styles to suit all sorts of needs.  I like this OttLite because it comes with a space saving craft organizer.

Source Image 

I really like this sleek Turcom LED Desk and Table Lamp as it has a USB port, it's dimmable and has a touch sensitive control panel.  The fact that it is LED leads me to another consideration and that is the type of light bulb that the lamp uses.  Ask yourself whether you want the yellowish light of an incandescent bulb or the cooler light given off by an LED or CFL lightbulb. 

Source Image

There are so many styles ranging from traditional to contemporary to choose from, it would be impossible to cover them all.  I am sure we are all familiar with the traditional banker's lamp that is often placed over a piano.  I like this modern interpretation by OttLite pictured above.

I hope this has given you some ideas to tweak your work space so that you are able to work with greater ease and comfort.

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links. 

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 27: Picking the Right Office and Desk Chair for You

Source Here

At first glance, you would not think that the furniture in our homes ought to be included in our drive towards wellness.  Several years back, I was involved as a passenger in a car accident.  Cue months of physiotherapy and I soon came to realize how important it was to have furniture, especially office/desk chairs, that suited my needs.  Even though I am now recovered, I still think that proper office chairs for working long hours at a desk is a necessity.  They help support the back and legs and stave off fatigue and cramping.  The one pictured above is a gaming/racing style but don't be put off by the name of the style.  Gamers spend a lot of time in a chair so a comfortable chair is a must.  Look for terms such as "ergonomic" and "adjustable."  You want a chair that has as many adjustable features as possible so that you can customize it to suit your body.

Source Image Here

There are so many styles available and they need not be the stereotypical bland desk chair of old.  I like the one above as it has a mesh back so, visually, it has a lighter look.  Bonus is that the mesh back helps keeps you from feeling overheated.

Source Image

They don't have to come in standard issue black either.  This white Eames replica aluminum chair has a wonderful modern contemporary look to it.  At the very basic level, height adjustment is key.  Ask yourself whether you require head support or adjustable versus fixed arm rests, padded versus hard arm rests, fixed or adjustable back.  Functionality first, then looks.

Here is another white one.

Source Image

And this luxury executive chair by HomCom even has a retractable footrest!

Source Image

Years later, I still use my ergonomic chair every single day when working at my desk and would never dream of using any other type of chair.  So for me, I consider it another "lifetime haul purchase" that was made mindfully and intentionally.

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links.

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 26: Haircare for Sensitive Skin Live Clean Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Conditioner

For Day 26, I wanted to talk a little bit about haircare.  For years, I washed my hair every day.  I just assumed that I had a schizophrenic scalp and hair where it was dry and itchy yet got greasy very quickly.  I tried expensive salon brands, drugstore brands and organic brands from the health food store, to no avail.  I didn't realize that by washing it every day, I was stripping it of body oil which caused my scalp to react by producing more oil.  As well, back then, hypoallergenic, perfume free body products were almost impossible to find.  Now they are so much more readily available.  The Live Clean Sensitive Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Conditioner featured in my September, 2016 Monthly Favourites but they deserve another mention as, months later, I am still using them.  I love the fact that they are perfume free.  Increasing numbers of people are being struck by severe environmental sensitivities such as reactions to perfume and more and more employers and public places such as hospitals are banning the use of fragrance.  Personally, I don't want a lot of clashing, competing fragrances on me.  Of course, I am just writing about what I use and what works for me.  I am sure that there are a lot of lovely haircare products out there that smell delicious.  Monsieur, for example, loves slathering himself with all sorts of smellies.  The more, the better!  I buy my Live Clean products at Shoppers.  I have noticed that the Hypoallergenic ones are more likely to be carried in the larger Shoppers.  It is really heartening to find quality hypoallergenic products at a reasonable price that are readily available in a national chain store.

For a deep conditioning mask, I have tried olive oil.  It leaves caramel brown highlights in my hair.  And for toning the scalp and treating dandruff, apple cider vinegar works a treat.  These items are commonly found in your kitchen and are inexpensive solutions.  Have you tried any natural remedies?  I haven't been brave enough to try baking soda as I have seen one too many photographs of oily dandruffy Gorgon-like heads of hair to be tempted.  Although if you have tried baking soda, please share your experience!

This is not a sponsored post.  Affiliate links may be added in the future.

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 25: Natural Latex Pillows

On Day 2 of the Challenge, I wrote about better sleeping habits.  So for Day 25, I want to write about a particular method I implemented to help me get better sleep.  For much of my life, I have either used feather pillows or polyester fill pillows.  The problem with feather or down pillows is that while they fluff up wonderfully, they are not machine washable.  I started waking up in the morning with my sinuses completely clogged up and feeling like I was being suffocated.  I discovered that I had developed an allergy to dust and dust mites.  So I switched to polyester fill pillows.  Even though the label said machine washable, inevitably, they would come out misshapen and lumpy.  After a bit of research, I switched over to natural latex pillows.

via Amazon

Unlike memory foam, there is no issue with offgassing.  And unlike polyester fill pillows, I don't ever have to worry about it becoming misshapen or lumpy and trying to fluff it up as, similar to memory foam, it retains its shape.  The vents prevent the sleeper from feeling hot and it is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.  Natural latex is made plants (commonly rubber plants or bamboo) so is eco-friendly.  This is good news if you are hesitant about using down or feathers.  I am in love with my natural latex pillows and Monsieur is sold too.  For me, they really do qualify as a "lifetime haul" purchase that was made intentionally and mindfully.

Can you believe we are nearing the finish line?  Already, I feel like celebrating!  Any suggestions to throw into the ring for the last few days, speak up now!

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links.

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 24: Ceramic Fry Pans, Gotham Cookware, Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillets

via Amazon

When I first set up house with Monsieur, he noticed that I didn't have any PFOA coated nonstick (Teflon coated) cookware in the house.  He promptly went out and bought a nonstick fry pan, much to my chagrin.  My protestations regarding the dangers of PFOA fell on deaf ears.  Those fry pans never last, the coating inevitably starts peeling off.  Eventually, I couldn't stand it any longer and started researching alternatives.  By that point, fry pans with a ceramic coating had now made their appearance in the world and were, to my way of thinking, a viable safer alternative to the nonstick dilemma.  I started bringing home ceramic coated fry pans and, unbelievably, Monsieur was quite pleased.  I guess my exhortations had fallen on fertile ground after all.  So for Day 24, I want to talk about switching out cookware coated with PFOA.  

Please bear in mind that all of my suggestions during the Challenge are ones that I have been trying out and aren't directives.  We all lead different lives and have different needs.  What works for me, might not work for you. As with cookware, maybe you don't have any problems using cookware coated in PFOA.  But as was the case with Monsieur, who didn't even know that a safer alternative was available, it was nice to bring it to his attention and then let him decide.

The current fry pan that we are using is the 12.5" one made by Gotham.  The coating is made of ground ceramic and copper so the interior has that flashy copper colour.  It is PFOA, PTFE, and PFOS free.

via Amazon

I had assumed that a ceramic coating would be more durable than a PFOA one but you do need to be gentle with it.  No metal utensils or harsh scouring pads.  So far, our Gotham pan is holding up and Monsieur is really pleased with its performance.  I like the fact that the price is comparable to a good quality name brand stainless steel fry pan.

If you have the budget for it, you really can't go wrong with classic Le Creuset.  A well seasoned cast iron skillet is practically nonstick.  

via Amazon

Any foodie or chef will tell you that they develop a deep relationship with their favourite kitchen tools and Monsieur is in love with his Le Creuset skillet.  But then, of course, he would be a fan as he is French!  They  really are workhorses in the kitchen (I am referring to Le Creuset but then, come to think of it,  Monsieur is a workhorse too) and were made to endure decades of usage.  Personally, I am just glad that my mind is at ease with the cookware that we are using.  I don't see the point of being careful choosing the food we eat but then negating all that effort by preparing it in cookware that might be leaching toxic chemicals.  I know that Le Creuset is pricey but they last for years and for me, it is a thoughtful, mindful purchase.

How are you doing with the Challenge?  The finish line is close at hand!

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links.

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 23: Mrs Meyer and Pet House Soy Candles, Flameless Candles

I am sure I am not alone in saying that I love candles.  They create an instant sense of intimacy.  But what I didn't realize is that ordinary paraffin wax candles are a petroleum byproduct.  So when I was merrily burning those candles, I was breathing in the equivalent of exhaust fumes!  In this case, ignorance really is bliss. So for Day 23, I would like to discuss alternatives to paraffin wax candles.  Myself, I have switched over to flameless candles.  No more fiddling with matches or trying to clean out the tar and soot from the candle holders.  You can even get ones that come with a remote control and timer here. 

via Amazon

They even flicker like the real thing.  How cool is that?  But I must say that sometimes I do miss burning a scented candle.  Enter the world of soy candles.  Soy candles are all natural.  We have all heard of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products but did you know that there are soy candles as well?  It comes in scents such as lavender, basil, geranium.

via Amazon

The jar is a jelly jar that can be repurposed once the candle is done.  I do love being able to reuse something.  And for those households with pets, you can even get soy candles from Pet House Candle designed to tackle doggy odours.

via Amazon

The one pictured above is Pina Colada but there are 15 fragrances total to choose from.  After all, our furbabies need to breathe clean air as much as we do.  I am really pleased that there are so many options available now to help us create a well home.

We are moving towards the finish line of the Challenge.  Woohoo!  If you have any suggestions, there are only a few days left to include them in the Challenge so please leave them in the comments.

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links.

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 21: Decreasing Exposure to EMF's in the Bedroom

I don't know when it started but I began leaving my cellphone and tablet on my bedside table overnight or sometimes, if I fell asleep before moving them, they would be on the bed beside me.   I am sure that having a cellphone on the bedside table overnight is a common phenomenon especially if it is used as an alarm clock.  However, for Day 21, I want to try to decrease the EMF's in the bedroom.  I know that there is a growing body of evidence that shows the deleterious effects of longterm exposure to high levels of EMF's.  WiFi devices that are on all night long and constantly polling for a signal emit a large quantity of EMF's which can lead to poor quality sleep amongst other things.  My sleep has been terrible for months and anything that can improve it would be a boon.  As well, every time there is a notification, I just can't resist checking my phone even if it is the middle of the night.  It is as if I have fallen into the trap of FOMO without even realizing it.  So from now on, I can going to make a conscious effort to turn them off at night or, at the very least, place them as far away from the bed as possible.  Even if you don't believe in the downside of EMF exposure, if you use your phone as an alarm clock, placing it far away from the bed will force you to get up on time instead of hitting the snooze button over and over again.  So win, win!

Stay tuned as we cruise towards the last leg of the Challenge!  Now is your chance to include any suggestions in the comments!

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 20: Vitamins and Supplements

For Day 20 of the Challenge, I want to chat a little about supplements.  Now I want to be clear and state that I am not a healthcare professional and I am just doing what feels right for me.  Everyone has different needs and requirements and, if in doubt, please use common sense and consult an expert.  So now that's out of the way, let's carry on!  There was a time when I tried and tried to take a vitamin supplement, usually in the form of a daily multivitamin.  But a few days in and I would get a persistent low grade headache which would not go away.  Later, I realized that the headache was similar to the headaches one gets when doing a detox cleanse.  I could never get past it even though I knew that, if I could just get over the hump and soldier on, I would come out the other side feeling better.  However, when my health took a nosedive, I decided to give vitamin supplements another try and, lo and behold, I didn't experience any headaches at all.  I have been taking them daily for the better part of 7 months now.  The composition changes slightly depending on what I think I need.  Right now, I am taking an Omega 3-6-9 supplement, a Calcium Zinc Magnesium supplement and am trying out a Biotin supplement which I have heard is really good for healthy hair.  I was taking a Glucosamine supplement but didn't really notice any difference.  I know it can take a few months of regular use to see an improvement so I might try it again.  Normally, I get my supplements at Shoppers which is a Canadian pharmacy.  You can collect reward points at Shoppers and get notifications for flash specials.  For example, today between 6 and 9 pm, it was BOGO on select supplements.  Do you take supplements?  Any recommendations?  Have you noticed any discernible benefits?

This is not a sponsored post.  Any suggestions for the Challenge, please let me know in the comments!

30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 15: Eating Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

We are at Day 15, the half way point!  Pats on the back, all around!  The onset of summer means that seasonal fruits and veggies make their welcome appearance at the grocery store.  Of course, in this modern world that we live in, it is possible to get apples from South Africa in the depths of winter and avocados from Chile all year round.  However, nothing beats locally grown seasonal produce.  I used to eat lots of fruits and veggies but I got lazy and, more and more, junk food starting making an appearance.  My palate became accustomed to the sensory overload of all the salt, sugar and seasonings and a piece of fruit, once so delicious to me, seemed pallid and boring.  I do find that if I stay away from the junk food, my palate undergoes a "cleanse" and is able to detect the subtle nuances of fresh fruits and vegetables once again.  So, I want to consciously focus more on wholesome foods in my diet again.

Come back as we move in to the last half of the Challenge!

LBH 30 Days to Wellness Challenge Day 14: Bolthouse Farms Red Goodness Smoothie

How did the decluttering go?  I have been decluttering in spurts since the beginning of the year but took a bit of a break after going through my clothes.  It is good to make myself get back on the decluttering track and not let the break go on for too long.  Now, we are on Day 14 of the Wellness Challenge.  On Day 1 of the Challenge, I wrote about trying out green smoothies for the first time here.  I liked it so much that I decided to branch out a bit and try out Bolthouse Farms Red Goodness smoothie.  Who knew there was such a thing as a red smoothie?  It has the juice of cherries, cranberries, peaches and pomegranates amongst other things and is delicious.  I used to eat a lot of fruit but, for some reason, slacked off.  This gives me a quick dose of fruity goodness.  Come back for Day 15 where we will be at the half way point.  Woohoo!

This is not a sponsored post.  Subscribe and never miss a post!  Use #30days2wellnesslbh on Instagram so that I can find you!

30 Day Wellness Challenge: Day 8 Unitasking versus Multitasking

For Day 8 of the 30 Day Wellness Challenge, I am going to focus on Unitasking instead of Multitasking.  The ability to multitask has been glorified as a marker of hyperproductivity.  Get one million things done in 10 minutes flat all while doing handstands and juggling!  The problem with multitasking is that this approach can drive up stress levels to untenable levels.  One's attention span is stretched thin and the likelihood of doing one's best on every single task starts to drop.  Enter Unitasking.  How about focusing all of one's attention on just one task at a time?  Bring all of your energies to bear on that one task, complete it then move on to the next task.  Try it for one day and let me know what you think of this method.

This is not a sponsored post.  Use #30days2wellnesslbh on Instagram so I can find you!

30 Day Wellness Challenge Day 7: Practice Meditation

Day 7's small, actionable task is to spend 10 minutes meditating.  For as long as I remember, I used to spend time on the regular just letting my mind drift.  I found it was an excellent way to calm down my overactive mind.  Little did I know that this practice was called "meditating."  Now, it is the trendy thing to do.  Apparently, there are many competing methods and "types" of meditating which means a lot of angst as to whether one is doing it correctly.  What?!  I just want to destress, not add more stress.  The last 24 hours has been particularly stressful.  Monsieur had his knapsack stolen.  It contained all his medications, identification, housekeys etc.  Without his meds, he was facing a potentially life threatening situation which meant driving him to ER.  Anyway, enough about that.  I am sure there are lots of people who think "I don't have any free time to assume the lotus position" or go "pfft" at anything that bears the slightest whiff of New Age quackery.  Believe me, I used to be one of those people.  So, a more palatable alternative to try out is to just let go of any worries that are running amok in your head and go on autopilot while you are doing a mundane chore.  For example, when you are out walking your dog, shut off your mind and just be present in the moment enjoying the company of your furbaby.  When you are doing the dishes, switch to automatic mode and just be.

Do you meditate regularly?  If yes, do you see any benefits?

Stay tuned for more daily challenges!

This is not a sponsored post.

30 Day Wellness Challenge Day 6: Turning Off The News

For Day Six of the Challenge, I decided to decrease the amount of time I was obsessing over the news.  I stopped watching the news years ago in a bid to lower my stress levels.  I didn't miss it as information always wended its way to me eventually.  Then, a few weeks ago or possibly a few months ago (my tired brain doesn't remember any more), lured by the avalanche of world events, I started keeping up with the news and fell promptly down the rabbit hole.  This could be quite the task I've set for myself especially in the light of current events.  For the last couple of weeks, it seemed like there was one revelation every hour.  I am sure you know what I'm alluding to.  I ended up staying up later than is healthy, my brain whirling nonstop. I started experiencing FOMO for the first time in my life. When I would finally go to bed, I would lie there feeling frustrated, annoyed, overwhelmed and I don't even live in the country (ies) where these events were taking place!    So it's time to dial down my consumption of the news.  I know that, if it is important, I'll find out sooner or later.   I am not saying that the best route is to be an ostrich.  For example, for tragedies unfolding on the other side of the world, instead of obsessing over every single news report, I have to recognize that the most I can do is make a donation to the relevant aid agency and send out prayers of well wishes.  How do you handle the news?

Stay tuned for more challenges!  Use #30days2wellnesslbh on Instagram so I can find you.

This is not a sponsored post.

30 Day Wellness Challenge Day 5: Waking Up Earlier and Philips Wake Up Light

The flip side of improved sleeping habits, which was Day Two's task, is being able to rise earlier.  I am a self-confessed night owl.  Getting up early or on time has always been a challenge for me.  And lately, after a night tossing and turning in pain, dragging myself out of bed in the morning has become a Herculean task.  In my quest to get up a cock crow, I tried staying up all night.  I know, crazy huh?  I figured that my sleep was so crappy that I might as well try foregoing it altogether.   I lasted until 3 am and the next day was a zombie.  Then I tried getting up at 5 am.  I did manage to get up at that horrendous hour, only to have to listen to Monsieur's vociferous complaints at disturbing the household.  To be fair, I was feeling at a bit of a loose end and decided I might as well fill in the time until the sun rose by doing various household chores.  This was a mistake.  There is no point in doing the dishes at 5 am and feeling smugly virtuous about it only to be faced with a barrage of bitter recriminations later.

Anyway, I will say that my Phillips Wake Up Light has been a wonder in helping me to get up.  I have the older cone shaped model but I think the round shaped newer model is even better as the shape is even more "sun-like." It simulates a sunrise, glowing a reddish orange a half hour before the alarm goes off.  The glow steadily gets stronger so that by the time the alarm does off (you have a choice of bird song, the radio and elevator type music), your body is ready for it.

via amazon.ca

No more being jolted awake by a horrid, screeching alarm.  The Wake Up Light provides a gentle glide towards consciousness.

Stay tuned for more Wellness Challenges!

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links.

  

LBH Weekly Roundup: 30 Day Wellness Challenge Days Three and Four Drink More Water and Swapping Out Sugary Snacks

The small, actionable task for Day 3 that I have set for myself is to drink more water.  I used to drink a lot of water on a daily basis.  Then, somehow, I stopped.  I realized that the only fluids I drink on the regular now is green tea or Earl Grey, cranberry juice (that I cut with water) and the occasional fizzy drink.  Oh, how I love a cold fizzy drink on a hot Summer day!  But this is not good enough.  Fruit juice comes laden with a lot of sugar and I put sugar in my Earl Grey.  So I need to get back to drinking water.  To make it easier for me, I find that adding lots of ice cubes and a slice of lime or lemon helps a lot (yes, I am such a child that way).  Drinking more water doesn't require $100 yoga pants or buy-in from other people around you.  The point is that it is easy to do, although possibly not for me who stopped drinking straight water a long time ago. I am basically going from 0 to 60 in a flash but I know it is better for me.

The small actionable task for Day Four is to decrease the amount of sugary snacks that I reach for.  There was a time when I did not have a sweet tooth.  Then I set up house with Monsieur who has an enormous sweet tooth.  Giant bowls of ice cream after every meal became de rigueur.  Believe me when I say that when I suggested eliminating ice cream, ice cream bars, chocolate covered ice cream bars etc (you get the picture) after dinner at the very least, it was like I had set off WWIII.  So we compromised.  He can continue to stock the freezer with all manner of frozen goodies and if I want to have one, I will, and, if I don't, then I won't and he won't take me opting out as an insult.  Again it is about making it easy instead of trying to do a complete 180 on a dime.  I am not cutting out sugar entirely but trying to decrease it.  I do find that doing a one to one switch makes it a lot easier as it doesn't feel like deprivation has suddenly become the order of the day.  Dates are really sweet and assuage that craving for sweetness.  Strawberries are in season right now and are a delicious snack.  

Stay tuned for Day 5!  Are you following along?  How is it going for you?

Use #30dayswellnesschallengelbh on Instagram so that I can find you.

This is not a sponsored post.

30 Day Wellness Challenge Day Two: Better Sleeping Habits

For Day Two of my 30 Day Wellness Challenge, I have decided to tackle my poor sleeping habit.  For years, I was chronically sleep deprived.  As a student, I pulled all nighters on the regular.  Even as a working stiff, I would keep late hours reading or watching telly as a way to escape the boredom of my waking hours spent in a cubicle.  Then, my health took a nose dive.  Night after night was spent tossing and turning in pain, trying to count sheep and failing.  Because I wasn't getting quality REM sleep, my memory and cognitive functions were impacted.  So I figured I might as well start staying up late, aimlessly surfing the Net.  Better that than miserably trying to sleep.  It didn't help that Monsieur loves falling asleep to the telly.  I don't know how many times I have had to get up at 3 or 4 am to turn off the telly.  Now, I picked sleep as today's actionable task because this is something that, normally, does not require buy-in from other household members.  Obviously, my goal might be a little harder to achieve because I find it very difficult to fall asleep with the television blaring away.  But, I am determined to give it a shot because I want to get up the next day without feeling like I haven't rested at all.  I am positive that getting a good sleep will help me to lead a more balanced life.

I hope you will continue to follow along on my journey.  Use #30days2wellnesslbh on Instagram so I can find you!