I was reviewing my Happiness Project that I did in November and will update periodically on elements of it.
Some aspects are going very well and other parts less well.
Overall am I happier? I would say no..I am not happier (yet) BUT this project has made a big difference in my life so far on some important levels.
EXCERCISE:
Before this happiness project I don't think a year has gone by since I was 17 yrs old that exercising more has not made it onto my resolutions for the year or any plan I make to change behavior.
I have always exercised on and off. And it has always been a part of my life-but in an inconsistent way. I have always really loathed going to the gym, or aerobic classes, but I often still do them half heartedly and with medium consistency and determination.
When I started having major neck and back pain issues a number of years ago it got me into a better routine of exercise and seeing chiros and other specialists and doing prescribed stretching etc...because I literally had no choice unless I wanted to suffer all day and night. It made me make time in my life for more regular exercise. But I still generally hated it.
On the flip side we are one of the more active families I know on the weekend and I love our family sports a lot. Swimming, water sports, skiing, walking on country roads, skating, snow showing, kayaking all make up a big part of our weekends and I look forward. To every moment.
So although I have not been friends with formal exercise I am very far from a coach potato.
With this Happiness Project I have finally been able to start actually looking forward to excercsing. I am not sure why actually-the change has been huge. I think for the first time in my life I have not equated exercise with the goal of changing my body (necessarily).
My goal has been to reduce back and neck pain, feel more energized, get outside more during the week and have a bit of space in a day for myself.
It has come to the point in the last few weeks that I am actually very resentful of anything that comes between me and my planned exercise sessions! A miracle considering I used to invite any distraction that would keep me from the gym most the time.
I feel genuinely pissed off when I have to cancel exercise. Hallelujah!!!
I mean I don't commit to a lot but what I am committing to I am enjoying. Mondays which is my more flexible day-it's a power walk and a gym session and then Tues and Wed a 30 minute power walk and my stretching for back etc. Thursday the gym for a class-and go to work a bit later that morning-but that is hard as meetings get scheduled half the time..but I do it every week that I am able and try to make this happen as often as I can control.
But its hard to fit everything in. I am not one to go into the office early unless meetings early so I am generally at my computer or on blackberry for a good part of early morning before 8:30am or taking meetings that can be done on the phone or fall in various other time zones. That is what I like about walking--I can work and then take a break for a power walk and then still get to work for a good time. Going to the gym or pilates involves a bit more time and planning-but I am committed to making it happen as I have to do it. It replaces physio for me and is necessary. When I don't I feel it right away.
So all in all- I am starting to seriously care for exercise for the first time in my life. I really it energizes me, makes me feel more confident, makes me concentrate more, and makes me feel proud and good overall.
Exercise is definitely a factor...that will in the long term make me happier.
I hope I stay this way. Disciplined with good habits. Finally on my way. I think.
