My first monthly challenge was, for the most part, a success. I had about a dozen exceptions (usually for specific meals) that I allowed during the month. I also cheated a couple times when playing the piano, but these times were few and far between.
I stopped for a 10-minute break after each hour of driving on my drive to and from Houston. This was very beneficial, though I am going to modify it slightly. In future, I will take a 5-minute break after every 45 minutes of driving. I don’t think the length of the break has as much benefit as just having more breaks.
Whenever I arrived at my destination after driving, I tried to get out of the car as quickly as possible to minimize sitting time. This also made me more decisive and waste less time rummaging in the car.
The exceptions I made were done consciously and not spur of the moment, except for a couple. During these exceptions, I tried to focus on perfect posture and really connecting my feet to the ground. This was good training in being more mindful when I do need to sit.
The beginning of the month, I was sitting in hero pose on a couple of pillows or cross-legged to work on my computer as well as do other things. However, by the end of the month I had created a standing workstation that I feel is much better for me at this time, especially considering how tight my hamstrings are.
I really believe now that every position we put our body in is bad if left in that position too long. This applies to sitting, standing, squatting, lying down, or any modification of these positions. The more we move, fidget, adjust, and flow from one position to another, the better for our overall balance, function, and health. On a side note, perhaps this is why I enjoy yoga as much as I do, because you are always flowing from posture to posture and incorporating breathing into all of it.
I really enjoyed having a monthly challenge and will definitely continue this practice. Intentional living is awesome, and even when it is not, at least you have something to focus on doing (or not doing)!
Yes, I guess that’s a benefit of motherhood – always flowing from one position to another, never still for long periods of time. Though I think I spend a little too much time on my feet (a common problem in moms).