Everyone wants to be healthy, fit and flirty. But let’s be honest, when you have school, work, and what seems like 100 things on your to-do list, working out and eating healthy isn’t exactly your top priority. After a long day of working, going to class and running all over campus, I don’t even want to do my squats and eat my veggies. I want to lay in bed and eat ice cream. Sue me.
Even though I feel this way at the end of many of my days, I’ve come to the realization that the reason I feel this exhausted is a result of how I treat my body. After a long weekend of going out and eating unhealthy food, I wake up Monday morning feeling like I got hit by a bus. It’s like I need a detox or something. Why do I do this to myself?
A weekend of having fun isn’t a bad thing, obviously. This past weekend for me was filled with hardly being home and having a blast out with my friends, and I needed it. However, I’ve learned that it’s all about balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Try to focus on yourself and stay healthy throughout the week. One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give on this: plan ahead. Plan ahead with your meals, fitness, work load, and anything else you need to do. Prep some healthy snacks (think nuts, fruit, veggies, etc.) and meals ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling for something last minute. Look at your day as a whole and decide when and if you actually have time to get to the gym (you probably do, let’s be honest). I know this is a lot easier said than done, but those Sundays when I spend time planning ahead really make a difference in how my week goes. It makes me feel like I have my life together for once.
Once your life is a little more organized, focus on your look. When you wake up in the morning feeling tired and unmotivated, take fifteen minutes to pull yourself together and boost your attitude. For me, lots of mascara and a casual outfit make all the difference in how I feel throughout the day. It seems silly, but the better I look, the better I feel. Take the time to do this for yourself, trust me.
As for fitness, this is the one area I really am slacking in. I walked to class today—that counts as my workout, right? No, Lauren, no. I used to be better about getting to the gym, even if only for thirty minutes. Lately, I’ve been so busy and finding myself making excuses not to get moving. But hey, this is your body we’re talking about! You are the only one who has complete control over how it looks and feels. If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, you’re the only one who can change that. Even just some simple jogging, yoga or body weight workouts could make a difference in your energy and attitude on a daily basis. Your body is yours. Take care of it.
Sometimes I find myself needing to take my own advice. It’s alright to have a lazy day here and there to reset, but staying focused on being healthy and tackling your responsibilities will change your life. Don’t take huge breaks that turn into four hours of watching Netflix. Set your eyes on the tasks at hand, and don’t stop until they’re done. Prioritize. Eyes on the prize. *insert more inspiring quotes here*
But really, you have all the power to be a healthy, happy and successful young woman. If you’re feeling like you can’t do it, try going all out for 3 days in a row and you won’t be able to stop. Once your body starts feeling more energized and healthy, everything else will become easier and more enjoyable. Who doesn’t want to be the one everyone envies?
Do you have something on your mind beauty and lifestyle related? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll have an answer for you next week in my column! Don’t be shy, I’m up for the challenge.
Xoxo –
Lauren
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