Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Looking after yourself

2011 has flown by and I've been a very busy bee! Instead of giving myself the TLC I need, I've been pushing through life at full throttle and fuelling my poor body with unhealthy vices (read: coffee, energy drinks, ciggies, alcohol). Alas, two weeks ago I ended up bed ridden for five days with a back injury and a virus.

I could barely stand, let alone walk, and had zero energy. I'm not a big sleeper, but I snoozed pretty much non-stop over the course of those days. I did not have enough energy to hold a book - scary! Needless to say, I spent a lot of time staring at the ceiling (which drove me insane - control freak right here!) when I wasn't catching zzz's. Once I made it to an osteopath, she said my body was completely exhausted and I needed to learn to rest.

So I've decided to make a few lifestyle changes, including quitting the cancer sticks (2.5 weeks and going strong!), getting fit and trying to hit the pillow before midnight. I'm interested in taking up yoga and meditation to deal with stress, integrating green smoothies and more protein into my diet and generally becoming as healthy as I can.

My question to you, dear readers, is how do YOU look after yourself and stay on top of your game? What are your healthy habits that make you feel like a million bucks? Tell me your tips and tricks! Also, would you like to see some health and wellbeing posts on The Swirl and Swing in the future?

11 comments:

  1. Sounds like a rough time - hope you're back on your feet soon!

    Going vegan was the best thing I ever did for my health. I'm loving home cooking, chia seeds, lentils, grainy breads, leafy greens and truckloads of avocado.

    I do slip into unhealthy habits all the time and would definitely like to see some health and wellbeing stuff on here!

    Love your blog :)

    - Tegan x

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  2. I am eating more healthy lately.. And I started with everyday workouts..

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  3. Good on you for giving up cigarettes - you should be so proud of yourself! Everything you're doing sounds great, good luck with it all hun <3

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  4. I workout every day at least 30 min., drink water and because I love food I will it everything just in smaller portions. Congrats on getting in to a healthy life!!!
    Freesia

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  5. Good for you for quitting the cancer sticks. You will be better for it :)

    Im on a serious health kick at the moment as well. I swear its happening everywhere because spring is here. haha

    http://socialemissions.blogspot.com/

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  6. Good effort on the ciggies!
    In the last few weeks, I've started with a personal trainer twice a week.
    For the last two weeks I have eaten any carbs or sugar and I feel so much better and lighter!

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  7. Good work on quitting the ciggies! I TRY to exercise 4 or more times a week but I find it hard when Im working long hours. I also drink a truckload of water and generally eat a balanced diet. I also try to be prepared snack-wise so I'm not tempted to buy something unhealthy. My go to snack on the run when Im unprepared is boost juice, which isnt that great but I love it and it fills me up. Better than maccas anyway! Cant wait to hear how you go on your journey, would love to see posts about health and wellness on here! x

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  8. Long time reader, first time commenter!
    I find that you really need to incorporate 'healthy stuff' into your routine in a way that really works for you. If you have a window of free time on say, Tuesday evenings, it's easy enough to insert a one hour Zumba class and you'll find that it will just become a regular thing because you don't need to adjust or sacrifice the work/study aspects of your lifestyle which automatically take precedence. Also, working out with a friend is the easiest way to stay motivated!

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  9. Good for you! I've recently started trying to become healthier too; just by eating better things and doing pilates! Good luck!
    X
    polway.blogspot.com

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  10. So good to hear! Recently I've been sick quite a bit, and I find going to sleep earlier, thus getting more sleep really helps! You feel soo much better in the morning. For me, eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables always makes me feel better, and making healthy dips like hummus in the fridge so there's always something healthy and yummy prepared :) xx

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  11. I would love to see more health and wellbeing tips/posts on your blog! It would be a nice alternative to the fashion blogs and there are lots of fashion blogs out there that involve food (excess amounts of coffee yuck).

    I'm coming to the very end of my Uni days and am slowly slipping into exhaustion so I am currently trying to do the same as you - would love to know how you go! x

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