The Self Challenge

The Self Challenge (published by Find Yourself Healthy)

• Personal reflection
• Yoga changed my life

The definition of healthier differs from person to person. Leaning in the direction of becoming healthier includes meal plans, physical activity and community. Regardless of what your plan consists of, it is just that a plan until you finally commit to a better healthier you. A healthier you isn’t a slimmer, firmer, or physically more attractive you, but a you that balances life by committing to self with resilience and patience. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a low-cholesterol, low-carbs, Atkins or Sonoma diet. It doesn’t matter if you do cross- fit, yoga, bootcamp, run or join groups to help motivate you. It would all be a failed attempt, once again, without you committing to a lifestyle change. I struggled with this time and time again. I put much thought into a healthier me and just couldn’t figure out why it was so damn hard.

I loved yoga but could only find the time to practice right before I would burst with the frustration of not having enough time to enjoy the life I was living. Instead, I was living a cycle of destruction. Eating out because I didn’t have time to cook at home, worried about meeting work deadlines and more concerned about how well I was supporting and caring for everyone else except for myself.

There were a number of attempts in the past to incorporate yoga into my daily life. I failed at being consistent, therefore I needed to make a commitment to balancing my life and practicing regularly. I gave the excuse of being too busy, too many times. I didn’t have the time; my husband, kids and I had a lot going on. I don’t know if you know but it takes a lot to arrange a regular time to take a break, calm your mind, breathe and practice yoga. What a crock! There is rarely a perfect time to do almost anything, excluding the fact that being healthier and practicing yoga everyday does not always require leaving the home or pulling out your mat or workout equipment. It’s funny how easy it is to make an excuse not to do the things that are most beneficial to us.

Can you measure up to the Self Challenge? It is essential to take care of one self, first. It is basic common sense, especially in emergency situations. For example, we are advised in flight safety manuals, “secure your oxygen mask and breath normally before assisting anyone else requiring assistance.” I know the importance of yoga and recently made it my emergency situation.

What is your emergency situation? Are you stressed and over worked? Are your jeans fitting tighter around your waist line? What is it that you have discovered is making you unhappy on a regular basis. To become healthier you have to create a plan to change your lifestyle and put it into action. First, begin considering what areas of your life could use some improvement. Create a list and begin prioritizing from most to least important regarding any health concerns. Second, take the most important concern and create a 30 day challenge, incorporating it into your daily routine. Consult a doctor or specialist if it is required. The 30 day challenge is to help you form a habit. It takes 21 days to create a habit and the additional 9 days are a bonus. Don’t go into the challenge with an end in mind, instead look at it as your start to change. After the 30 days you should continue your routine and begin incorporating the other factors that you have decided are needed to become healthier. Your new routine should be a living practice. Don’t get hung-up on your progress, where you were before or where you want to be. Instead challenge yourself to be present. Understand you need to be flexible and able to bounce back from any set backs. You’re not a failure things just happen; its life. In your challenge do not expect for your results to be grand or for others to jump aboard, but practice just being. The Self Challenge requires your commitment to eat healthier foods, be conscious of your meal portions, incorporate some form of physical activity even if its just taking the stairs at work instead of jumping on the elevator, if you find yourself falling don’t be hard on yourself and acknowledge what caused you to lose track and get right back on. Lastly, breathe; take your time. It is not a race, it is life. Be patient, be present, and enjoy your progression.

A great teacher leads by example; you will notice your healthier practices affecting others. When I committed to my yoga practice and made time for the betterment of myself, surprisingly I witnessed my growth spreading into the lives of others. Being healthier is not only about an individual’s interpretation or personal journey, it is also about being knowledgeable, mindful, dedicated, kind, disciplined and open as a whole. So when the opportunity presents itself, aid someone else to find their own path. Take “The Self Challenge” and pass it on.

Article published by Find Yourself Healthy March 17, 2016

Author Libby Campo

Certified Yoga Teacher

Website:YourInnerYogi.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourInnerYogi/