Wardrobe Wellness

Anyone catch Oprah on Wednesday? It was a mommy makeover episode focused on frumpy moms who spend their lives in baggy sweatshirts, bad jeans, overalls, pajama bottoms, no makeup, ponytail – you know the look! Certainly, after Oprah’s intervention, the ladies not only looked stylish, but felt confident and vibrant. One of the moms made the comment that she realized that it’s OK and important to spend time on herself. In a funny way, wardrobe is part of wellness – I’d say emotional wellness. It’s so easy to schlep around in sweats – hey I’m just running to the grocery store and picking up the kids from school, why spend any effort on getting fixed up. I think all moms are guilty of this – me included!

Just as healthy eating and exercise gives you energy and confidence, so does fixing yourself up. I know it takes some time to blow out that hair, but after I do it, I sure do have a little more swagger in my step than when I just throw it in a ponytail. I’m super diligent about fitness and nutrition, but I admit that I can get lazy in this department. I’ve been making a conscious effort this year to routinely blow out my hair, and wear “real clothes” – which for me means non-fitness apparel. It’s so hard, but even though it seems like a pain, I’ve really started to turn the corner. I do feel more pretty and more confident when I take the time to wear makeup, style my hair and put on a cute outfit.

What’s your wardrobe situation like? I have had several giggles with girlfriends about the mom’s closest from the Oprah episode. I think our favorite quote was something like, “1987 is calling and it wants its clothes back!” It’s really about establishing a routine, just like with working out or eating healthy. The more you do it, the better you feel, the momentum builds, you feel outstanding and there’s no going back to bad old habits.

Entertainment for your Workout

Getting ready to go out for a run and I’m getting my “entertainment” ready. The I-pod is an incredible fitness tool. Sure, it’s great to have all your favorite music – mine spans Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Bee Gees. But have you experimented to podcasts? There are podcasts on everything and I’m not exaggerating. Whether your interests are Hollywood news, politics, sports, cooking, travel or even learning a new language, there are a mind-boggling number of podcasts on every topic imaginable. Talk about a fun distraction while you are working out! This morning I visited I-Tunes and subscribed to a podcast on the tv series Lost which will discuss each episode. Love that show, but it’s so confusing I’m looking forward to hearing some insights. Can’t wait to listen to it on my run!

I ALMOST talked myself out of it!

I had the best intentions. My carefully timed plan was to head to the gym around 10am to swim laps. I needed to keep on schedule, because I had a car maintenance appointment at 1pm. The morning started out easy enough, got the girls off to school, and returned home ready for a few productive hours. Well, then I got “over-involved.” Imagine that! I found myself in a rare moment of laundry inspiration. The loads were flowing, and I was actually putting the clothes away promptly. Sitting at the computer, I was cranking through e-mails, paying a few bills and taking care of Optimom business. And naturally, I had a call from friend and my mom, so I needed to chat a bit.

Time was started to slip away, and the rationalization began. Hmmm, if I go swimming, I’ll have to wash my hair. Should I shower at the gym? No that’s a pain. Maybe I’ll go running instead, but wait, it’s really cold and windy today. Trying to keep on track, I packed my gym bag. But as I started to do the math, there was just no way I had time to get to the gym, shower, fix my hair, grab a bit of lunch, and get to my car appointment. Since I was on a productive, mommy roll, it was looking very practical, rational and time efficient to just keep on trucking with my to-do list and blow off today’s workout. This is just how easily it can happen.

WAIT! I quickly shook some sense into myself and took a close look at the story I had cooked up. NO GOOD! With so much on a mom’s plate, it can happen so easily – to all of us, no matter how disciplined we think we are! I modified my plans, layered up in my favorite cold weather running gear, and sucked it up for a short run. It felt so awesome – certainly better than paying bills! Next time you hear yourself making up a similar story, try to catch yourself in the act before it gets too late! Your body and mind will be invigorated and thank you for the exercise.

Recruit a furry personal trainer

Dogs can be an outstanding complement to our wellness routine. They force us to get in a little extra cardio each day with walks around the block (whether we like it or not!). So instead of looking at your dog like a little furry pain in the neck - embrace them as your personal trainer! They'd love you for it! And once your dog gets on a walk schedule, they can be darn persistent at holding you accountable! Our family dog Zach walked me through two pregancies and the stroller years for two girls. Leash up your dog today and take it for an extra long walk. Hey your dog won't even care if you throw in some lunges along the way!

Sure, pets can make you crazy! Nothing more infuriating than cleaning up doggie doodoo in the house or a gnawed strip of molding. Great story here that fits the season - a few years back Reese diligently created her Valentines for the second grade class party. They were signed, sealed and complete with a piece of candy attached to each. Ready for school, Reese left them on the counter that night. Zach sniffed out the tasty treats and we awoke to shredded valentines scattered throughout the house. Let's just say, there was a lot of drama! Happily we can all laugh about it now! But you've always got to remember that in addition to helping YOU keep moving, their unconditional love and affection is a wonderful boost to our mental health, especially when we are feeling down or lonely.

Today's post is in honor of our siberian husky Zach. He passed away of natural causes on January 30, a few months short of his 14th birthday.