Cheers to Change

Okay, peeps... I made a significant change! Hope you're sitting down for this one...

I now limit my coffee to no more than 2 cups in the morning (sometimes only one) with an occasional Starbucks (tall, non-fat, no whip) treat. Those of you who know me know I love me some java... to an almost obsessional degree. I made this incredibley difficult decision because I want some change in my life. (Y'know, all the stuff I've been blogging about?) Many of the things I've really wanted to happen in my life just hasn't come to fruition. I'd wager it's because I continue the same habits. We can't expect change to happen when we continue to do the same thing over and again!

My "Coffee Time" video

Ok, so I either fight sleep or I have trouble sleeping. Sleep is one of the most important pieces in the health, fitness, and mentally functional jigsaw puzzles! (See what I did there? Yeah. I know. Reachy.) I posted a new cover photo on my Facebook page, which expresses my goal for 2012. I want to regain the health and fitness level I once had the discipline to achieve. I was happier, healthier, stronger, more confident, and I felt like nothing can get in my way. I embraced challenges and stepped outside of my comfort zone... lots! Somewhere along the way I lost that drive. I want it back. (And by the way, if we're not friends on Facebook, we can make that change, too.)

So. It used to be (like, up until 3 nights ago) that when I laid down in bed I had the TV on and when it was off my mind was reeling. TV was a nice distraction, but it kept me interested in what was on. I'd sleep in, wake up exhausted, unproductive... and the cycle just continued. It wasn't 100% of the time, but often.

My Koni "Sleepy Time" Tea by The Tea Chick

I've read many recommendations about having a routine to wind down: draw a warm bath, dim the lights, read a book, listen to soft music, or whatever else would ease your mind and help you to relax. I never really implemented such a plan and I finally did. After 3 nights of a nice relaxing bath or shower, a hot cup of tea, and leaving the TV off, I fell asleep easily last night. That is huge for me! It didn't take affect the very first night... or the second, but like everything else, making changes will take some time for acclimation. I even almost turned on a movie last night because the whole routine didn't seem to be working. But it did!!

It was nice to just drift off to sleep! Even though I didn't wake up with a kick today, I feel so much better mentally and physically. I'd say that is a pretty decent kick-start to change!

♠