Winter Update #3
For 2+ months I kept on target with my Winter Wellness goals, except for baking — but the last few weeks have been a bit tougher as my ‘big project’ deadline nears (April 1).
- Step into some fresh air – no matter how cold it is outside – Most days!
- Go for a walk/ride every day the sun shines, even if very short – Missed about half. all.
- Don’t rush into my work day – rise at least an hour before my first client call – Late nights meant late morning rising. A few times I barely skimmed 10 minutes before my morning calls started.
- Listen to music while doing kitchen chores – Still a yes!
- Spend 20 minutes-a-day on a jigsaw puzzle – missed two days – and noticed. But transitioning from this into ‘spring’ activities – see list below.
- Read fiction 3-4 times a week – nope but lots of non-fiction to support the project. Did finish reading one novel!
- Enjoy a daily cup of tea – away from all electronics – hit and miss.
- Bake weekly – tapping into one of my first loves – postponed until post-project offers more time – that said, the ‘baking bug’ may have passed. We’ll see how spring goes.
Spring Wellness Bucket List


- Transition back into my 3-season porch office space.
- Transition morning 20-min jigsaw puzzle, SAD lamp, and meditation music routine to meditative journalling in my 3-season porch office with a cup of tea.
- Beginning April 1, rise with the sunlight hour in the morning.
- Walk/bike to run errands not REQUIRING a car because of ‘load’, distance (beyond about 5 miles one way) or scheduling location conflicts.
- Push my ‘work destination’ venues to be increasingly further points from home – aim to increase from 2-4 mile roundtrip to consistent 10-12 mile roundtrip.
- Carry a coloring book in my bike bags – for ‘relaxation’ breaks during workday instead of ‘social media’ sprints.
- Transition jigsaw puzzle to evening downtime with hubby in front of tv (not that he’ll join me in puzzling) – to reduce late night computer use. Can I close my computer by 10 pm?
I love to watch Chicago come alive during Spring. Do you enjoy transitioning to more activity at this time of year?
Hi, Janet – Thank you for sharing your goals with us. I found your honest and candid account to be very inspirational. Sending you warm wishes as your big project deadlines approaches!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the warm wishes. Mission accomplished. Now on to other goals…
LikeLike
So glad to have you join us with your thoughtful list. I am waking up earlier, too, and so enjoy that magical morning time when it is too early for phone calls or interruptions. Just bought a new $1 300-piece puzzle to begin work on. Come over and we can sip tea and work on it together!
Great goal to start riding your bike on mini-excursions. Although, 5 miles one way would be a pretty ambitious for me. When we went to Paris in 2009, I came back saying I would be riding my bike everywhere, like the Parisian women, in heels no less. Yeah, didn’t happen! I know you will have much better luck.
High five…I am carrying a coloring book these days, too!! Mexican art with colored pencils. So enjoyable and brings me peace and moments of tranquility.
Closing down my lap top at 9 pm is a wellness goal. I am 2 minutes late. Over and out!!
Thank you for joining us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your encouraging words. The bike-riding has already been building but my transition is to become more a commuter cyclists than just joy-riding. Even through the winter I’ve been getting in 2-4 miles when weather aloud. Good luck on your 9 pm laptop close. I don’t know if I’ll make it to closing at 10 pm, but we’ll see. Thanks for joining the conversation!
LikeLike
SO impressed with your dedication to a healthy lifestyle, Janet! I’m not sure I will ever get to the daily 10-12 mile adventure… but I am looking forward to warmer temperatures and getting back to my 5k morning walk several times a week 🙂
I have maintained my novel reading goal. I recently discovered a love of the “dual timeline” genre and savor about a book a week. I’m hoping to continue this pace throughout the spring and summer by eliminating television re-runs from my evening routine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck with your reading goal — isn’t tv such an alluring routine?!
LikeLike
As I mentioned before, I was very taken by your winter list of self-care. I think you did quite well. Like you, I am so looking forward to spring and being able to get out more without having to bundle up or hurry home before it gets dark. Yeah spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your encouragement Christie! Today felt like 23 degrees – so I’m still looking forward to warmer temps. But I managed to get out for a walk in the sunshine. Yeah Spring!
LikeLike
I feel productive just having read your goals! I try to mix things up, also, with varied results. Good one, Janet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jacqui!
LikeLike
Wow! Nice work on those goals – I have some of Mom’s colouring books left over from when my mom was living (dying) with me. I should bring them out and give them a try.
Thanks Janet!
Deb
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deb – hope you give the colouring books a try. Happy Spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an inspirational self-care list. Lots of great ideas for the rest of us.
LikeLike
Thank you! I’ll be doing a self-care A-to-Z, hope you have a moment to stop by. Thanks for joining the conversation.
LikeLike