No-vember

Welcome NO-vember!

No November blues this year! As we are coming towards the end of the year we more often than not start to feel worn out, exhausted and `off`. Well, at least I assume I am not alone out there feeling like that?!

The past weeks have been dragging as I seem to have lost motivation, energy and simply feel  `sluggish`. I appear to be fit on the outside, but something is not right. But I am over it. Neither do I want to blame it on November and its colder and darker days nor on any outside factors. That would all be too simple; an easy way out;  a lame excuse.

No, it is time for some reflection!
It is time to look at myself only.
It is time to take action instead of falling deeper into the `sluggishness`.

I am sure you noticed on yourself that you are more vulnerable, feel more agitated and stressed when you are physically and mentally running low. Well I do not like this feeling and I invite you to join me this month to change that! My doctor- and blood results are all fine, but I dropped the ball when it comes to my own wellbeing on small but important daily things. No more excuses and one month to strengthen myself!

Don`t let the November blues hit you and join me!
Let`s embrace November and rephrase it into “NO-vember” this year! 

Time to say “no” to a few things we know that aren`t doing us good! Time to say “Yes” to thinks that will do us good!  The “no-yes” approach will help to fool the mind. Only saying “no” may be counterproductive as we then tend to crave the “no-s” even more. So make sure to balance it with a “Yes”!

Here is what I am saying No and Yes to in No-vember:

No – to skipping lunch
Yes – to lunch time! Even if time is tight there needs to be time for a (quick) lunch! Skipping lunch tends to leave me famish by the late afternoon and that is when all the really nasty unhealthy (over)eating kicks in for me!

No – to skipping on vegetables and fruits
Yes – to always join in when I serve fruits and veggies to the kids. Funny enough I am picky when it comes to fruits and veggies for the kids, but I often tend to rather serve it to them then myself!

No – to more than 2 sweet things a day
Yes – to some good chocolate or home-baked treats or cake when out and about.
I am a sweet addict, so taking this totally of my list is a no-go, I do not want additional pressure on me. But becoming aware that I definitely can reduce on that front is a good step forward

Yes – to more protein! Protein are known to reduce sugar cravings. I tried that for a while during a nutrition study and it worked for me, so I will say yes to that one, too!

No – to skipping sports (3 times a week)
Yes – to go for a run, do Yoga, cross fit, bootcamp or any kind of sports (being active) three times a week, even or especially when I feel exhausted. After all, a run or any kind of sports boosts the energy, it is the skipping it that drags down!

No – to late bedtime
Yes – to sticking to an earlier weekdays bedtime (light off). My sleep is crappy, somehow somebody always seems to wake me up in the middle of the night in our house and for that I am simply going putting the light off too late.

No – to skipping (mindful) meditation
Yes – to taking at least 5-10min daily. I tend to skip it when I need it the most. And while long sessions may be indeed hard to fit in a short one should not be an issue!

Having said that I am as well experimenting with some detox juices. I want to see if they indeed have an impact on increasing energy and a better well being or are more a myth! If you have tried some please do share them and your experience with me! I am looking into those with natural ingredients, no pills or ready made mixtures! And preferable with no bananas.

The points above may seem minor to you, especially when seeing them as a single point. But together I do believe those are the areas that can make a real impact on my own wellbeing and those were first ones coming to mind!  And looking at them, they cover the areas of nutritions, exercise and more sleep. All main aspects for a better well-being!

Common sources like too much coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, sugary juices, processed food or lack of water can play a big part, too. But on that front I am doing pretty well, therefore I do not see a need for adding them to my list.

While I focus mainly on what I eat and exercise this November, I believe there is always room for improvement. For example in regards to time management, spending time with friends and family, social media behaviour, de-cluttering, procrastination, and so much more!

Why not take some time today and reflect how you feel and where you see some points for improvement for yourself? Create your own “No-vember” list and feel free to share with me!

This No-vember I invite you to join me to strengthen body and mind
by saying “no” to habits, behaviours and things that don`t do you good! 

To a healthy, strengthening November!

Have a lovely day,

AK