I got on a Pinterest kick the other night and took multiple clicks all over the Internet world reading all about how to be motivated to get up early and workout. Tips and tricks abounded to get up and about first thing in the AM.
I went ahead and grabbed my gym bag...threw a towel in, considered what else to put in but planned on coming home to take a shower after so nothing else seemed essential. Tossed a gym outfit on top of it and got my shoes laid out. Next up: alarm. Set my alarm for 6 am and put it on top of the gym clothes so that I would need to physically get up to turn off the alarm. I even added a note to the alarm of "Turn on a light" because some articles said that it would wake me up more.
I went to bed all prepped for my morning workout. When I woke up it was closer to 9 am...I hadn't actually turned on the alarm. This was right before Christmas and I had wanted to get the last minute stuff done, so I just up and showered and got on with the day. My stuff is still sitting there waiting to go.
I'm going to start my week off fresh tomorrow. So tomorrow begins my step two: actually going to the gym (early...aiming for 6:15ish). I felt like maybe I should blog it out, just so I can be accountable. Wish me luck!
Step one in review:
- Prep your gym stuff the night before (clothes, sports bra, socks, shoes, towel, and anything else you may need)
- Set your alarm (and turn it ON)
- Turn on a light when you first get up (supposed to help with like circadian rhythm or some such thing)
Ok, I get that compared to other parts of the world I shouldn't really be complaining about the weather and I'm not really. My complaint is with my skin...somehow despite my best efforts to take care of it I've ended up with an obnoxious little red irritated patch of dry skin in the center of my face!
Not sure if it's the combo of cooler air outside and warm dry air inside, if I'm not staying hydrated enough or if one of my little samples was just not right for me. The hardest part of skin care has to be patience when something goes wrong.
I alternated between using Dermalogica's Barrier Repair and good old Aloe Vera. Still took a few days to clear up, and when I felt a tiny bit more confident (and when it was getting a little flaky) I added an exfoliant to the mix (Dermalogica's Microfoliant). At night I'd use a layer of Eminence Organic's Linden Calendula Treatment for dry/dehydrated skin and make sure my humidifier was on. I've tried to up my tea intake as it's been too chilly for my usual large glass of iced water.
Headed out last (rainy) Saturday night to a Winter Solstice Dance Party. It started out with some cleansing sage, writing out our intentions and lighting candles...then we danced. We danced sooo much. This little dance party was held at Studio A Dance in Silver Lake and hosted by Melissa and Shashona who were so awesome (energetic, kind, and encouraging) and so welcoming.
I have not danced in too long...and I have the two left feet and spastic arms to prove it. Somewhere in the middle I forget which is left and which is right...but it's okay. What I've learned in taking a lot of group classes is that no body really cares...most people are focusing on either the teacher or not running into their neighbor. (Side note: during one class my teacher was my neighbor and I nearly took him down.) If you are ever in a class and catch someone looking it's most likely that your doing something correctly (or gracefully) and that person wants to be like you. What I truly love about these group dance class/workouts is that once every so often I catch myself feeling on...like there is a moment where I actually get it and it's great. These moments are fleeting but when it's over I know I did something.
If you are reluctant to get out there and try a dance class, I get it...but believe me when I tell you that after the class you'll be a little more proud of yourself. Be kind to yourself. In an effort to be kind to myself, I'm going to find some dance classes I can take (that are a bit closer to me than driving out to LA...this is kind to myself because I'll spend less time in traffic).
