Welcome to the Five Favorites linkup!
A reminder about a new twist I’m adding to the linkup this year: At the end of each month, I’ll be giving away a prize pack to one #5Faves participant! Here’s how it works: every time you link up a blog post, it counts as one entry. So if you link up a post every week, you’d get four entries. I’ll keep track throughout the month and then randomly pick a winner on February 1.
Like almost everyone, I’ve been trying to get back to healthy habits this month. And like most everyone, I’ve been struggling. It’s cold outside and all I want to do is stay on the couch with copious amounts of coffee and books! I’ve decided that for long-term success, I need to start with the basics: less sugar, more water and movement. I’ve been working back up to 10,000 steps a day and since we don’t leave the house much, I’ve been coming up with some crazy ways to get it in. Here are five things that are working for me right now:
1 // Dance Parties. The kids always want to be in the kitchen with me. On a typical evening, you’ll find at least two chairs pulled up the counter, with curious little people asking questions and touching ingredients. To avoid all the “help”, I’ve started playing music while I make dinner and encouraging them to show me their moves instead. It gets everyone moving (me included!) and also lets me cook in peace!
2 // Be Inefficient. As someone who prides herself in efficiency, this one took a little practice. Instead of carrying huge armfuls of clothes to put away, I take one small pile at a time. As I unload the dishwasher, I put dishes away one by one instead of grouping like items. It’s seems ridiculous, but it doesn’t take that much more time.
3 // Pace & Pray. I’ve been trying to devote more time to prayer, but my brain always seems to be going nonstop and I’m easily distracted. Pacing seems to be beneficial in two ways: I’m getting more steps and the movement seems to help me concentrate. Who knew?
4 // 5 Minute Power Pickup. About three times a day, I rally the kids and we set the timer for a 5 Minute Power Pickup. We run around the house, picking up toys and putting things back in place. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping and have a semi-picked up house in the process.
5 // Use the Stairs. I’m guilty of asking the kids or Mark to get me an item, just so I don’t have to go up or down the stairs. Lately, I’ve been sucking it up for the sake of the steps. Just got into bed, but need a glass of water? Down I go. Need more diapers for TJ? Up the stairs I run.
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I’d love to hear about five of your favorite things too! Need some ideas? Here are a few to get you started:
+ Share five things you are thankful for this month.
+ Show us five of your favorite corners in your home.
+ What are five of your new baby must-haves?
