On Health & Wellness in 2013

I don't like to make resolutions because I never stick with them and then I feel guilty and guilt is a feeling I do not enjoy. However, I always, always think about things I'd like to do differently in the new year and every year my health and exercise is at the top of the list.

I consider myself a relatively healthy person. I eat a decent breakfast and a decent lunch. Dinner is usually a little more lenient in our house but a lot of times its half a chicken breast and a lot of veggies. I don't belong to a gym or regularly run 3 miles but my job provides me a few opportunities to exercise throughout the day. At the end of a typical work day, I've usually completed between 40-60 sit-ups and held a plank position for God knows how many minutes. However, in a lot of ways I've gotten lazy. I've taken my dog on less walks. I own a bunch of workout DVDs that are now collecting dust somewhere in our basement. I have no problem hitting up the grocery store for a frozen pizza because I just don't feel like cooking. Suffice it to say, I've been taking my health for granted.

I'm writing all of this because since the middle of December, I've had a few health issues that while not at all serious, have given me pause about my health.

After a full month of bleeding gums every time I brushed my teeth, I was diagnosed with gingivitis. Yes, you read that right. Gingivitis. A gum disease I thought was relegated to people with teeth much older than mine. This diagnosis has added a good half hour to my nighttime routine. I had an eye doctor appointment, during which I was told that not only has my vision gotten worse but that my eyes are very dry and I now have to use eye drops 4 times daily. Dry eyes are not serious and happen all the time but having to use eye drops because of it is going to be a challenge for me. Lastly, I've been battling stomach issues for the past week and a half so I went to see my primary care doctor today and she thinks I've developed acid reflux so now I am on trial dosage of Nexium. I am hopeful this a temporary thing!

Like I said, these things are not super serious but I have come to the realization that I have not been taking care of myself as best I can. I am lucky these things are not serious and it is a good wake up call for me to start exercising regularly and eating more veggies and less boneless buffalo bites. I took my dog to the vet on Friday and she has gained weight which they were not happy about and goes to show that me being neglectful of my health is negatively effecting others in my house. 

So, I'm refocusing this year. I'm just going to try to be more mindful of what I'm putting in my mouth and more disciplined with myself about hitting the pavement rather than the couch when I get home at 3:30. These minor issues I've had this past month; I refuse to allow them to fester and turn into something worse. I am 28. I am not old but I am not getting any younger, either.

Here's to leaving 2013 healthier than when I entered it.