Life Post-Wedding: 7 Ways to Get Back on the Wellness Bandwagon!

So let me just say... planning a wedding takes a lot out of you!

A quiet moment after my 9.14.13 ceremony
Photo courtesy Ember Photography, Vermont

Now mind you, I was a hyper-organized bride. Spreadsheets, color-coded lists, Pinterest boards galore. I'm not sure if being so organized made me crazier and more exhausted, or not, but I wouldn't have done it any other way!

Leading up to the wedding, I was very focused on eating well, sleeping, exercising, breathing and maintaining great overall well-being - 1) because I wanted to look my best and 2) because it kept me sane.

Somehow, in the weeks after our honeymoon (perhaps the honeymoon is the culprit!!), I've slipped into old habits that work against wellness in every way... I've been eating whatever I want, whenever I want; drinking alcohol at home during the week rather than just socially; and not exercising because I'd rather lounge on the couch....

It just isn't working for me anymore! I feel a little blue, a lot bloated, and I completely lack energy and motivation!

Here are the 7 things I'll be focusing on over the next few weeks to get back to my happiest, healthiest self:

1. Plan menus for each week in advance!
This has always helped keep my lunches healthy and balanced, and allows me to create a very specific, limited grocery shopping list (read: no aisle browsing... no unnecessary snack purchases... no produce going bad when I don't use it in time!). We have even started using Stop & Shop's Peapod delivery service which further cuts back on browsing and buying unhealthy and/or unnecessary treats!

2. Take the stairs.
We live on the 5th floor of a large apartment building with an elevator... As difficult as it is at the end of a long day after a long commute, I always feel better when I take the stairs! My commute to Boston involves a few subway stations and rather than take the escalator, I try to take the stairs when possible. I also try to walk the last little bit instead of hoping on another T car!

Photo credit

3. No alcohol during the week! Fortunately, I'm a lightweight, so when it comes to social drinking out with friends, I can never have more than 1 or 2, and I'm okay with that a few nights a week if we're off having fun somewhere. Otherwise, there just isn't a reason to drink alcohol at home on a Tuesday, on the couch while watching re-runs of Glee! ;)

4. Get outside every day.
Take a walk at lunch. Go for a run after work. Something! I always feel a million times happier and healthier when I've had the chance to breathe in some fresh air, especially this time of year when it's so crisp and beautiful outside.

4. Drink tons of water. Enough said.

Photo credit

6. No buying lunch!! 
I am lucky enough to work in Downtown Boston.... this means unlimited access to dozens of tasty, tempting lunch spots and food trucks. Instead of indulging, my goal is to bring a home-packed healthy lunch and snacks each day!

7. Yoga.
Before the wedding, I was doing yoga once, if not twice, a week. It made me feel so much less stressed and so much lighter and yet rooted at the same time. In addition to going out for a few runs each week before the snow comes, I am in desperate need of a little yoga in my life!

Photo credit

Try it out - I bet you'll be feeling great in a matter of weeks!

xo