Well, it’s been nearly a month to the day that I first formulated my “game plan”, such as it was, and got started with getting my life back to where it belongs. I thought this would be an appropriate time to review and see where I stand, and how much progress I have made toward fulfilling the Plan.
I was most interested in how well I have done at alleviating the problems I was having, that led me to this Game Plan. So that’s how I’ll address it here.
My stated problem was this: “I am sick – my immune system seems to be functioning at less than optimum levels – and exhuasted, and having trouble functioning on a normal basis. I am also gaining, rather than losing, weight.”
My desired outcome was this: “To be well-rested, healthy and able to function. I need to be able to perform both jobs at a competent if not exemplary level, and to give my family attention when I am able to spend time with them. I also need to be following a healthy lifestyle aimed toward an optimum weight and good muscle tine.”
To achieve this transformation, my plan was to concentrate on getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and building exercise back into my daily plan. Here is what I have done:
1. I have standardized my schedule at my second job, so that I work the same days (though possibly different hours) every week. I know what nights I will have off, and I know what to expect, so that I can plan meals and workouts more effectively.
2. I have successfully returned to a balanced, healthy eating plan with 6 small meals a day, calories between 1200 and 1500, limited amounts of good fats, lean protein, and good carbs, and an emphasis on whole foods such as fresh fruits and veggies.
3. I have successfully integrated exercise into my day, by implementing a program of “spot exercises” that I do during my work day, every time I go to the bathroom. These are primarily strength exercises with some cardio bursts, that take about 5 minutes and are done about 5-6 times a day. I have also returned to treadmill workouts three nights a week (minimum) on the nights I don’t work.
4. I have resumed yoga, doing this an average of 3 times a week if not more, to increase flexibility, decrease stiffness and soreness, and improve mental balance and calm.
5. I am drinking water regularly and in quantity, limiting severely my intake of anyting other than water, and being sure to get at least 80 ounces a day.
As a result, I have seen the following changes:
1. Most obviously, I have lost 9 pounds and several inches. Very gratifying, but not the most profound change.
2. The pain in my knees, hips and back that was so draining and pervasive is gone – yes, gone. Not, I am convinced, because I have lost some weight; more because I am active and eating right.
3. My fatigue has been ameliorated significantly by improved sleep quality and a focus on getting rest when I can (I am often in bed by 9:30 when not working), as well as a higher metabolism and stronger system from exercise and healthy food. I am keeping my blood sugar steady by eating every 2.5 – 3 hours and making each small meal a balance of lean protein, healthy fats and good whole-grain carbs, and mostly eliminating sugar and simple carbs. I am also napping at lunch whenever I feel it necessary, though that is less and less frequently.
4. My concentration and mental acuity are vastly increased. My desk is nearly clean; filing is nearly caught up (as nearly as it ever is) and typing is caught up to current. My speed score at Target is climbing, and my attitude at both places is improved.
5. My patience with the kids is better, as is my tolerance of my husband’s momentary foibles. I am able to spend time and do things with them on my nights off without feeling cheated of my “me” time – because I get my “me” time when I’m working out and planning and packing my meals. Also, blogging fanatically tends to feel like me time. 
In short, then, though it’s really too late for that, though I haven’t solved all my issues and problems (yeah right!) I have certainly made an enormous difference in my life just by doing the right things. The weight loss will come, but it wasn’t the weight loss that I needed so much as the change of habits.
Not bad for a month!
