Hello there,
We are pushing through in this February Fitness Challenge.
How are you finding it so far?
Written Instructions:
Today I have asked you to write down 3 things that make you happy and hang it up. Put this somewhere you will see it regularly and perhaps make yourself accountable to looking at it.
I've found the importance in recognizing how to help myself feel better. Noticing, and documenting, the things that fill me up allows me to remember them when I'm not feeling quite like myself. Experiencing episodes of depression, anxiety, and low self-worth is hard. I don't wish it on anybody, but I find it is way easier to climb out when I have a tool-kit of useful things to remind me of my purpose, abilities, and self-soothing techniques.
WHY 3?
Here is a cute -off-the-cuff- article, I found, dated back to 1994 from The New York Times Newspaper, called The Power of Three. It describes some of our obsession with 3's; triads in psychology, within old shows, and even throughout childhood, sports & comedy. Some things remain relevant... you can find many articles in marketing, business, communication, and more, based around the number 3.
I like to use the Rule of 3 in my personal life; three good things, three things I am grateful for, three tasks, lists by threes. I find it helps me limit my scale of focus. The mind has a cap on our memory capabilities all at once, making too big a list can overload our sensors and we tend to forget everything or get overwhelmed and do nothing.
So this task follows the basics...
3 main things that help you feel better and make you happy.
Now, I do find it important to have people who can be there for us when we need them most (a friend to talk to, family member, or Mental Health Professional) but for this task, I recommend, picking things that can be self-created.
I believe in a power of self, everything else is impermanent (for us). If we were to make a list of 3 people who make us happy, then what happens if they are unavailable, a separation happens, or one day if they are gone. Yes, connection is very important. And yes, we should also know who helps keep a smile on our face. Perhaps that can be an additional task.
Today, think about 3 things YOU CAN DO that bring a smile to your face.
Do you have a favorite comedian, maybe a specific act?
A favorite sitcom, or more specifically an episode?
Does art or music make you happy; doing, playing, watching, or listening?
A favorite song that fills you up, particular lyrics?
Is it a poem that restores hope, a verse or stanza?
A personal mantra or quote, by you or someone else?
A go-to fitness routine or stretch session?
Meditation, spiritual practice, or mindful practice?
A certain place you can go to unwind; good memories, be with nature, relax?
A practice you can do; picture albums, personal successes, good memories?
I like to think of 3 things that match my physical, mental, and spiritual needs. The more specific, the better. When I'm not feeling well, in myself, it's hard for me to think of what I need. These reminders serve as a map to being at my best. So I can learn to be my own support when it is needed.
Maybe include a number you can call if things are really bad or you may need a Mental Heath service. It is okay to ask for help. Just remember there is always hope, a way through, and someone there if you need them. Reach out.
Some Mental Health Resources I've used:
Sherwood Park | 780-464-4044 - or Click <HERE> for more information. They offer free services to Strathcona County Residents or referrals to other available sources based on where you live. They are team, and it is as needed, so if you are looking for regular counselling with one person... maybe try one of the other options I've posted.
Edmonton for Anxiety and Depression | 587-335-1970 - New Perspective Counselling - Heather is understanding and works on a sliding scale to make counselling available to many people who need it. She provides a natural, personal healing, approach.
Edmonton for Addictions and Wellness | Wellness Network offers programs, courses, and resources for many Mental Health services. Take a look, perhaps there's something there that can help you.
Edmonton and Area for Mental Health and Addictions | Access 24/7 helped connect me to needed resources during a Mental Health Crisis. They were understanding, knowledgeable, and efficient.
This task is about acknowledging the things we can do to fill ourselves up when we need it most. It's okay to not-be-okay and it's also okay to learn how to feel better.
Write down 3 things that make you happy and hang it up.
You can draw, make a vision board, write it out all fancy-like, or just make it simple.
(Maybe share it here with me? - I'd love to see your creations.)
Fitness Focus: Acknowledge our Lower Body ROM (Range of Motion)
This is about finding out where we are at. It's the only way to tune-in and figure out what we can try to correct. Do some ankle rolls (both ways), lift our knees (against a wall works to help measure level), do some leg swings (to see how far forward and back our leg goes), some side swings or leg lifts (to check our hip strength).
We are where we are... for now.
The first step is paying attention.
If you'd like to do a basic lower body stretch routine, check out yesterday's blog <HERE>. There's a video posted under the fitness focus.
Video Instructions:
Well Day 12... in our February Fitness Challenge.
How do you feel?
Any questions, message me anytime.
Once you've completed the day... comment below with your findings and progress, I'd love to support you while we challenge ourselves one day at a time. #DayOneAlways mentality with #believeagainfitness effort will create the #healthylifestyle consistency we need. Social media hashtag #februaryfitnesschallenge2021 and be sure to have FUN.
We've got this together.
🌹 Take care all and much love.