Baby steps. Baby steps. This is the best and easiest way to make changes and I started January with just a few.  For my January ImproveMe, I began with the basics, maybe the foundation of the many more changes to come.  The important thing is to not only start but don’t stop.  The only way you can guarantee failure is when you stop, remember that.

I suffered from migraines almost monthly and just couldn’t figure out why.  I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and those pesky headaches wouldn’t let me be.  Then I read a list of some things I could do to improve.  It wasn’t so much what I was doing wrong, but what I wasn’t doing that had me feeling terrible.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  I can’t even begin to say how much this has helped me. It’s only been a few weeks but drinking the required amount of water has been amazing.  To find out how much water is necessary to take every day is easy.  Just divide your weight by 2 and that’s the ounces you need every day.  Anything less will create a deficiency and all your organs will start to suffer.  This is one area where my poor little brain just couldn’t keep up.  Just by drinking the recommended amounts of water every day has made such an improvement in my life, I can’t even believe it. My mind and body are already thanking me for this one!    
2. A vitamin a day keeps the crazies away.  I know this is about as basic as it gets but even though they are a must, I always ended up forgetting to take them. I have a million and one things to remember to do every day so obviously this one never even made it on my radar.  Although I usually eat healthy foods when I cook, I know it’s never enough.  I needed a little extra help and I have seen an improvement in my mood and concentration levels just by adding my daily vitamin.  I love my GNC Women's Energy vitamins. (There's also a men version)  
3. Got my running shoes back on.  I am not going to brag here because my starting point this year was pretty crappy.  I ran 1 mile in 18 minutes!!! I know, I know, it's pitiful but it’s baby steps. Don’t judge me... I can get better coach, I can!  Since I started I have already reduced five minutes on my time, so I am improving every time I run. Even with my heart arrhythmia these baby steps mean a lot. I am proud of myself for this but the most important thing is to not give up.  Exercise is about the most important thing you an do for not just only for your body but for your mind.  Exercising gets blood to your brain improving memory and function, improves your immune system, regulates your appetite and decreases your risk for heart disease.  Ok, wow, these are more than enough reasons to get moving!  I will be posting my monthly progress and I am so sure there will be lots of progress judging from where I started.  When you start at the bottom, there is only one way to go but up. 

I know sometimes it’s easier said than done to make changes but I have found a way to make things easier on me.  I have setup iPhone reminders for all these things and they have kept me going.  I created a “health” reminders list and I have a “water”, “vitamin” and a “run” reminders.  It’s my phone and I have put it to work for me.  I now have my own little Siri personal assistant and is always reminding me of what I should do next.  This frees up my brain to work on all other improvements in my life.  So now I don't have an excuse that I forgot to do these things. I even have a 'time to floss" reminder.  Yes, they work! :)

January had a good start for me so far.  Just by hydrating more, taking a daily multi vitamin and getting some exercise every other day has improved me in so many levels.  I was tired of feeling drained every day and didn't realize how small improvements could make in my life.  I am not stopping now that I see how much more efficient I have become and I need all the energy and attention for the many more improvements coming up.  A healthy foundation is always the best way to start.

More on how my Fitlosophy Fitbook has helped me with my exercise routine coming soon.