The image is how I think I will feel at the end the challenge

So far, it has been mixed feelings! I always feel great once I move my body, but there are days when I struggle to start, to find the time to fit it in.

What I’ve learned in the first 7 days:

• Book it in! It’s easier to commit to the daily exercises if blocked the time for it: either book a class at the local gym or decide what you will do when and do not allow other plans to take over the slot. Think of it as a doctor’s appointment, you would not miss that to see a friend or watch a show, would you?

  You would simply book everything else around the doctor’s appointment.

• Plan for it! It’s easy to come up with excuses and find reasons not to do it, so prepare for it. For my challenge, I need to lay out my gym clothes, pack my gym bag if it’s a class I am going to or plan for childcare if my partner is also booked with something else.

• Start journaling! I was late to this game as I didn’t think it would actually help, but it’s a great tool. The reality is there will be good days and bad days and you need to give yourself as much ammunition as possible to support you succeed on the bad days. So write down when you’re high about how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking, what you wish you will read on the low days to give you the power to show up for yourself.

• Track progress! Another motivational tool is the progress you’ve had so far. I am so proud of week 1, I’ve kept track of my mood, my progress, my activities, the ripple effect I’ve seen from simply exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.

  I’ve started many times before and I’ve had great results, with my diet, my fitness and subsequently with my weight, but none of them stuck. I am taking my time with this new attempt to see how I am feeling, adjust on the way and really focus on moving my body, cherish it for having supported me through 35 years, through a pregnancy, through all the junk food, the stress, the lack of sleep. I am making it a priority and the rest will follow.

So here it goes, a minimum of 30 minutes of exercises a day challenge continues. Started a week ago and I am going strong. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and go! 😊

I will continue to take notes in real time to share my experience and hopefully further inspire others to challenge themselves.

For daily updates on activities and overall mood, check out my new dedicated Instagram @odeto_myson

Much love,

Anna