And just like that, it is 2013. Happy New Year! I have a couple of 2012 recap posts coming up in the next few days (long-time readers know I ease into the New Year) as well as some resolutions. I did want to stop by and check in regarding my goals for the December Sanity Challenge, which could be best summarized as Sleep, Move, Dance, Stretch.
Overall, I was pleased with the outcome. Some highlights:
1. Sleep – I got at least 7 hours of sleep about 2/3 of this month, probably a bit more. I do feel better rested than I did going into December, which I am taking as a good sign. I think this is one thing where being a bit competitive with making sure one gets sleep can pay off.
2. Movement – I did some amount of movement 6 times a week every week in December, except one week mid-month where I think it was only 5 times. Overall, though, I am still really pleased. I also made it to DanceTrance 8 times this month, and to 11 vinyasa flow classes, with the balance of the workouts being gym workouts. Considering that this was on a month where I travelled for work, had family visiting, and included holidays, I would call that a win. I have come a long way since my Tuesday night promise and improving my movement routine generally.
3. Yoga – My December goal was a total of 12 yoga classes, including flow classes, restorative and yin. I made it to 11 flow classes, 2 restorative classes, and no yin. So again, overall, I am happy. I did also find that stretching at least 3 minutes after cardio workouts really helped. Despite the weather getting colder and colder, I feel limber than I usually do.
So to summarize, sleep, move, dance, stretch was a success. Staying sane and not stressed out was … less of a success. Comparatively though, keep the above goals in mind did help with my general stress levels. Next year, though, I will make the December Sanity Challenge include something more specific about reducing stress. Also, speaking of being competitive about making sure I get enough sleep, I am off to do just that. Happy 2013!!
This year’s Sanity Challenge was co-hosted by the following bloggers, including our inspiration for self-care, Cheryl of Gluten-Free Goodness:
- Dec 1st – Me! Valerie of City|Life|Eats
- Dec 8th — Kate of Eat, Recycle, Repeat
- Dec 15th — Cheryl of Gluten-free Goodness
- Dec 22nd — Iris of Daily Dietribe
- Dec 29th — Carrie of Ginger Lemon Girl
All my posts addressing various self-care and stress-related items this month:
- Sleep, Move, Dance, Stretch
- On Self-Care and Compartmentalizing
- Dancing as Stress Relief
- On avoiding shame and guilt around New Year’s
- A few more thoughts on guilt, and some delicious cupcakes
Other posts in this year’s Sanity retreat:
- Intro Post for the Dec Sanity Retreat at Gluten Free Goodness
- Ginger Lemon Girl’s A Peaceful Holiday Season
- Join the December Sanity Challenge here at The Daily Dietribe
- Kickoff Post at Gluten Free Goodness
- Kate of Eat, Recycle Repeat Shares her Do’s of the Season
- Zen of Candy Cane Marshmallows at Gluten Free Goodness
- Chacha’s gluten-free kitchen Sanity Goals and German Chocolate Bites
- “Being Gentle" at Gluten Free Goodness
- December Merriment at Yoga Twist on Life
- Self-Care at Healthy Happy Vibrant
- Preciousness of Our Moments here at The Daily Dietribe
- Gluten Free Goodness Takes "A Pause”
- Embracing the Here and Now with Love at The Canary Files
- Change your Story by Iris of The Daily Dietribe
- 7 Goals for Staying Sane During December shared on The Daily Dietribe
- Sanity Goals Update from Cheryl of Gluten-Free Goodness
- A Sanity Challenge Update from Carrie of Gingerlemongirl
General Disclosures & Disclaimers
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like you were able to take great care of yourself! I plan on easing my way into the new year, too. Thanks for the great roundup. I missed some in the shuffle!
Huge hugs!
Awww! Thanks so much for sharing my December Merriment link. It’s been fun to watch your new love for dance trance movement. Looking forward to you 2013 recipes!!