Claire DeFitt

Last week I started a book by Cassie Holmes all about how we can use our time to have our lives be more fulfilling.

Naturally, it led me to notice how those around me like to spend their time.

And the cool part is, everyone is so different. Where one person dreams of getting out on their mountain bike, another person can’t wait to start the latest Neflix series and a different person can’t wait to pick up ingredients to begin a new baking recipe.

While everyone is different, it had me question for a moment my own use of time.
Am I doing things right?

And then I was quickly reminded as I finished up work and started a walk with my favourite podcast that as long as the time we choose to spend in our free moments, however short or long they are, makes us happy- we are doing the right things.

Whether you have an entire day to do what you like or only a few minutes, make your time a reflection of what you truly enjoy, and don’t worry about what all those other people think. ✨

Grateful for days like this one and for dogs that don’t always look at the camera. 😉🫶🏻

I often hear people be really hard on themselves when they no longer want to do a workout they used to love.

They comment on feeling like a failure for leaving one kind of workout behind and joining another.

And I’m not sure where the idea comes from that we need to stick to one type of activity. The BEST health benefits, the most joy, the most consistency, and ultimately the best results come from whatever you can show up and do consistently.

If for you that looks like never doing the same workout twice? Cool.
Same routine for 10 years? Awesome.

I’ve changed my workout routine too many times to count & it’s always been in pursuit of getting the most joy out of exercise that I can.

Try showing up for whatever exercise you want to do each day. Watch what happens to the amount of times you do get in a workout. It just might surprise you. 💓

The happiest version of ourselves in terms of our lifestyle lies in a place where our expectations meet our reality.

If one differs from the other, we feel a sense of inadequacy. Either our actions must change to meet the reality we want or our expectations must change to meet our actions.

People tell me all the time “I want to lose 20lbs” and then they go on a vacation every weekend and don’t want to workout or adapt their eating. Is there anything wrong with either option? Of course not! There just needs to be a change in understanding that either actions or expectations need to change.

A cool journal prompt if you’re looking for one is to try exploring your own expectations, the actions it takes to get there, and your current lifestyle. See what patterns you find 🌸

One of my favourite ways to put habit building into perspective is the idea that if you constantly feel the desire to take a vacation from your habits, you probably don’t have sustainable habits. 🤔

Don’t get me wrong- everyone needs a vacation and a change in routine. I went to England recently and took a vacation from strength training. I only walked for a week and it was great. 🚶🏼‍♀️

But- there is a difference between a vacation every so often and having a desire to escape your routine because it’s too intense and overwhelming.

A great exercise to try is:
- Think about the habits you’re trying to maintain right now
- Which ones could you do for the next 12 months?
- If it’s none, you might want to re-evaluate what you’re trying to do. ✅

Anyone else identify as more of an introvert? 🙋🏼‍♀️ Although it’s a continuum, some of us fall more to one side than the other!

These are 5 journal prompts or questions to reflect on your introverted side. Self reflection and awareness is a great step in personal growth and change so give it a try if that’s something you’re looking for 🧠☺️

Feel free to save these or share them, and circle back to them on a weekly or monthly basis! 📝

If you catch yourself constantly comparing your life to others, or are constantly scrolling through social media when you feel anxious or bored, it might be time to consider setting some boundaries!

Here are 5 ideas you can try implementing and note how you feel after trying them for a few weeks.

Remember it doesn’t have to be all or nothing! You can start by having an hour away from your phone once a week, or setting a screen limit on one app! 💙

Let me know if you’ve found any strategies successful, or not successful for limiting social media time 📱

Here are 6 journal prompts you can use to reflect on 2021 and determine how you can make 2022 an even better year for yourself!

If you don’t like journaling, consider seeing if one of these ideas resonate with you!

💭 Taking a few minutes to think about answers with yourself
🗣Sharing your answers with a friend or partner
✌🏼Keeping it simple and choosing 2 questions to jot down a note for, rather than 6!

Let me know if you have any favourite self reflection statesmen’s or ways you reflect!

Have a Happy New Year 🥳

We often say we want to exercise, but we don’t realize our internal limiting beliefs are half the reason we aren’t exercising in the first place.

When we say we want to exercise three days per week, it’s hard to follow through with that when we believe we aren’t capable of it.

🧠Start with reframing your thoughts around fitness, and change your own self belief. The more you say the things and do them- the more you believe it to be true.

Try using these statements in journals, in your workout notes, or reading them at the start or end of your day.

Let me know if any of these statements resonate with you, or if you have others that have helped reframe your mindset ☺️

Home workouts can be so convenient and time saving, not to mention not having to wait for space or share equipment 🙌🏼

At the same time, with dishes piling up and a never ending list of chores and a TV near by… distractions are inevitable.

Here are 4 tips for better home workouts to get you into the zone and back into life routine seamlessly🏋🏼‍♀️

Comment below if you have any other tips for home workouts! I’d love to hear your thoughts 💭

What is sleep hygiene? 😴

The habits you have around bed time!

➡️Here are 4 ways you can improve your sleep hygiene that can help lead to more consistent sleep!

Let me know if you have any other habits that help you with your sleep routine! 🧠🛌

Check out this resource for more info⬇️

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

Disclaimer❗️
I’m not a sleep expert! These are things I’ve learned working alongside other healthcare practitioners.

Fitness trackers can be an amazing tool to help keep you accountable and track your progress ✅

Unfortunately, with the constant monitoring of your activity, they can also lead to obsessive and addictive behaviours.

Here are 5 signs you may want to check-in with how your tracker is making you feel! 🧠

If you notice yourself having some of these tendencies, it might be a good idea to think about:

➡️Having watch free days
➡️Taking a break from your watch for a few weeks
➡️Setting stricter boundaries around your watch use.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Let me know 😊