This year my goal is to help everyone #GrowIn2017. We will take small mindful steps together throughout the year by working on two goals each month. One goal will involve nutrition, and the other goal will be more of a "mental" goal.
So here are our two goals for January:
Goal #1: No technology after 7pm at night!
I'm sure you read that goal a few times just to make sure you read it correctly. Once realizing you did, I'm guessing the grumbling has begun. First off...Quit grumbling! Your life will be better for this. Trust me! I don't lie (except for when I say we only have 5 seconds left of our sprint in Spin class...lol). Before I start explaining this goal, lets break down what "technology" we will be putting down at 7pm each evening.
- Video Games
- IPads and similar electronics
- IPods
- Computers
- Cell phones...YUP! Cell phones
Before you really have a breakdown, let me explain. We are no longer connecting with others (friends, family, strangers) in healthy social ways. Instead, we throw stuff out there on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, text messages, ect. I do this too, so believe me when I say that this will be hard for me. I'm no longer truly engaging in a real form of communication that stimulates the brain or social connections. Heck, when was the last time you stood in line at a store and didn't start tapping away on your cell phone? It's time to look up, smile at a stranger and say "Hi" maybe even compliment that person. You may actually make their day.
Each night (okay...during the day too) my child sees me on my cell phone texting, checking various social media sites, playing Word Scramble, etc. This is not the example I want to set for my child. I don't want him to grow up and do the same thing. I don't want him connecting through a device instead of a person. Instead, I want his head up. I want him to experience the world around him and have meaningful conversations...funny pointless ones too. The point is, I want him talking. This is how true social engagement works. Social skills are going down the drain, and it's time we all step back a bit, look up, smile at each other, and say "Hi".
Now, I could start spouting scientific facts and studies that have been done, but you know the truth deep down inside of you, so time to put technology down each evening, look at your friends and/or family, and have some social face to face fun!
Now...the one thing that is allowed is a phone call (oh heavens, I make it sound like we are in jail). It is okay to call a friend or family member to chat and catch up. Seriously...When was the last time you called (not texted) a good friend or family member to ask them how their day was?
Okay...I'll get off of my high horse and move on to goal #2 for the month of January!
Goal #2 Remove artificial sweeteners from your diet.
What are artificial sweeteners...Here are some common ones you'll come across on a daily basis:
- Aspartame
- Sucralose
- Saccharin
- Neotame
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Advantame
- Alitam
- Glycerol
Replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners is doing your body more harm than good. Recent studies show that chemically processed sweeteners damages the way your body naturally processes sugar. This leads to possible overeating and weight gain.
Always read the labels on the items you buy in the grocery store. However, the best thing you can do is eat clean! Only eat what comes from nature...Not what comes from a science lab!
Alright! Lets start a wonderful year of growth!!