3 Week Journey To A Better Self: Day 7 & Week 2 Goals

Sunday, May 17, 2020

It's the end of week one of my 3 week journey to a better self! It feels like this week has both gone by extremely slow and extremely fast. Like, during the week it seemed to drag on but now I'm feeling like how could this first week be over already?

Today has been a bit of a lazy Sunday. I haven't done any reading the past few days even though I would like to. Maybe I will listen to Clockwork Princess tonight. I only have 2 hours left to listen to and that is totally doable. But I also want to read Blood for Blood... I think the problem is that I have too many options for what to do and instead of doing any of them, I end up doing nothing or jumping from from thing to another. I spent most of the morning playing Animal Crossing and I totally could have listened to a book then, but I didn't think to do that. And then I tried recording some but had no luck with what I wanted to do. Seems to be a theme lately. But I will not give up. Tomorrow in the game starts museum day and I am hoping to film that and upload it to my gaming channel tomorrow.I also worked on my flipbook for a bit today. I'm hoping to have that ready for my Thursday main channel upload. And that was most of my day. The boyfriend cleaned the kitchen while making lunch and I am so grateful. I just couldn't deal with it.

I just completed day 7 of the 7 day glute challenge and showered the sweat off before writing this, and I am feeling like I am getting so much stronger by doing this. I still struggle through every workout, but today I was super motivated knowing that it was the last day of glutes and that tomorrow starts arm week. My arms definitely need help with building up strength so I'm excited but also very intimidated based on the moves. I hope I'll be able to do them all. Or at least modified versions. Got to remember that it's okay to do modification and build your strength up! I'm super proud of myself for working out every single day for 2 weeks straight so far. Cassey didn't build any rest days in between these challenges and I feel like if I were to take one now I would definitely lose my momentum. And 20-30 minutes of working out per day isn't that much that it's unhealthy, especially when the rest of the day I'm just sitting around the apartment. It's good for me and the goal is to get stronger, not to worry about weight. I don't see a point to trying to take measurements or track pounds lost. Numbers will not help me to be stronger.

After today's workout I jumped in the shower and made time to shave. I've been putting it off mostly because I have nowhere to go but the apartment, but today I shaved for ME. Because it makes ME happy. It makes ME feel good. And I like that smooth feeling after shaving. I think my life needs more of doing things for me and not worrying about other people or feeling like I'll be judged if I do or do not do something. I have to focus on me and everything else comes second. Look at that, only one week in and we're already getting into life lessons.

Overall this first week has been good for me. I feel so good working out every day, I've been able to be creative with art, and I've also had the time to play the games that I love and read. I think I do need to give myself some more concrete goals to follow for the week 2 though, or more like deadlines for things. Like the flipbook for example, I know I want it done before Thursday so I have time to edit and upload my footage. So I've been working on it every day. So here's some goals for week 2:

•  Actually list the rest of my Animal Crossing Cards on ebay - this and my Pura Vida Bracelets commissions are my one source of income at the moment, so I really need to do this
• Finish my flipbook - edit footage, upload as Thursday video unless book video is ready instead
• Read and vlog reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins - My book is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday so if I mange to read it in 2 days I would like that vlog up before my flipbook
• Continue working out every day with the 7 day arm challenge from blogilates
• Finish Wolf drawing I started 
• Make larger versions of video game sketch
• Make the effort to clean 1 thing every day - Could be dishes, laundry, a room of the apartment
• Read more - you can listen to audiobooks while playing games like Bloons TD 6, just put them on!
• Continue drinking 32oz of water or more 

3 Week Journey To A Better Self: Days 5 & 6

Friday, May 15, 2020

OMG. I spent the entire morning and early afternoon trying to upload my video of my Animal Crossing New Horizons 5 star island tour to youtube. It was so frustrating. It took 15 minutes to upload and then another 15 to process and then didn't work so I had to start over. Then 30 minutes later, I had the whole description typed out and everything uploaded and it didn't upload the HD version. I don't know why it didn't because my mp4 file was high quality and when I tried the 3rd time without doing anything differently, it worked perfectly fine.
I also tried to record Bloons TD 6 but my video corrupted somehow and I just gave up and decided I'd start over. Which sucks, because that was another hour wasted basically.
After that I really didn't do anything productive. I did my daily workout so late and my boyfriend and I stayed up late watching Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix while he played Bloons TD 6.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

I surprisingly didn't wake up late today considering I didn't go to bed until like 1:30 in the morning. I tried recording Bloons TD 6 again today and the video capture didn't work right. It came out flashing and lagging so I gave up. I recorded an hour and 3o minutes worth of the game and it was all lost. AND that was the second time I had gone through the tutorial. AND I didn't realize until I tried to edit it after my boyfriend and I had done the co-op and I had progressed like 11 levels. I'm so frustrated. I feel like I shouldn't have started a gaming channel. This was supposed to just be for fun, but now what should be fun and easy became frustrating. So we'll see. I'll probably just stick to Switch games until I can sort out my computer issues. At least I know the capture software for that actually works.

Didn't do anything besides that. I haven't done my workout yet, but don't worry. I will get it done. I'm thinking of taking a bath tonight. The world is too stressful lately and I need to remember why I am doing this. For self care and becoming a better version of myself while I have the extra time to. No need to stress over things that should be fun.

3 Week Journey To A Better Self: Day 4

Thursday, May 14, 2020

It is day 4 of my personal journey. I worked on my flipbook a bit this morning, and then again this afternoon, but it still has a long way to go. I keep asking my boyfriend to look at it to see how it is, but he says "there's no story progression" even though I'm not asking about that. I just wanted him to see how the color looks. I'm pretty happy with it considering I'm no professional and this is my first flip book ever. I never would have had the patience for it without the kit from Andymation. I give that man props for being able to make all the flipbooks, stop motions, and animations he does. He's brilliant! I wish I could make things that looked that good, but for now I've got my light bulb project.

I also made matcha sugar cookies because I made royal icing the other day instead of buttercream and didn't want it to go to waste. We ran out of vanilla so I had to leave that out of the recipe, but I don't think you can tell. I think I'm on a green tea and matcha kick lately, and I'm cool with that. I think people either love it or hate it. The cookies are so sweet though because of the frosting. But so delicious!

I definitely had to do the second video of my workout after that. Cassey really kicked my butt into gear with this one. The first video was a bit easier to handle, but the second one burned so bad! Definitely had to take a few breaks, but that's okay. I'm getting stronger and taking it at my own pace. And I'm feeling great about it and about myself!

I decided to make a playlist of songs I've been listening to during quarantine. I did it on Spotify and just just called it "Quarantine." Spotify had some interesting suggestions as you can see from the picture. I'm tempted to make a new playlist just for these songs lol. 

3 Week Journey To A Better Self: Day 3

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Already starting to lose track of the days. It hasn't been that long yet, is this how other people have felt this whole time? Anyways, today was the first day where I really didn't feel like working out and really had to push myself to do it. I honestly almost stopped after round 2, but I kept going because I made a commitment to myself to do this to better myself. And I know that I feel better when I do workout. I really wish I had a fitbit or a smart watch that could track things like heartrate and steps for me. I'd be really curious and it would help a lot just in general. I'd also be curious about sleep. I feel like I either toss and turn all night or barely move at all, no in-between! I'm finishing up my last few oz of water as I'm writing this. I drank a lot of green tea today, so I wouldn't have been too mad at myself for not drinking the full 32oz of water, but I'm still glad I'm doing it. It's good for me.

I listened to more of Clockwork Princess today. Things are really starting to happen now! I'm 73% through and I still don't want it to end! I never thought I'd say that about a Cassandra Clare book! Next I want to finish Blood for Blood finally and then maybe start World War Z. I really am interested in reading something Pandemic related. I think looking at parallels are interesting. I know that some people get anxiety from it, but I am a researcher and I need to know things.

Today I also started using my Andymation flipbook kit for the first time! Filming a video of it. I'm enjoying the process, but you need a lot of patience for it! That is something I'm only good at in moderation. I tend to want to get things done really quickly, but art lets me take a step back and slow down! I think it's starting to look really cool, so hopefully it'll be fun in the end.

On an unrelated note, I had a birthday discount coupon to use at American Eagle, so I made an order of a pair of sweatpants, a bralette, and a new bathing suit because I've gained weight and my old bathing suits do not fit. It's a bummer, but they were ridiculously old anyways and I don't even know if I'll get to use it for sure or not with the state of the world right now. I got it cheap so fingers crossed it fits and maybe I'll be able to at least wear it once. The sweatpants I anticipate wearing a lot and the bralette I just hope fits. I really have to guess my sizes. I'm really excited for them though. I really need to slowly update my wardrobe. This is what happens when you have a chronic illness that can make your weight drastically fluctuate. I don't even care about the weight gain or loss, I just want clothes that fit if that makes any sense?

3 Week Journey To A Better Self: Day 2

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

I am starting to look forward to my daily workouts because it gives me not only something to do, but also makes me feel like I've accomplished something. Being able to check off a workout every day also is making me feel better about myself. I post the graphic from blogilates on my Instagram stories daily but I am also checking off workouts in my bullet journal. This is helping a lot. I'm only a little sore after yesterday's workout which means I am definitely getting stronger by doing these. Although, I feel like leg/butt exercises have always been the easiest for me. Once we hit arm week, that's when I'm really going to struggle. I did struggle a little bit to do today's workout just because I already hurt from yesterday. But that happened last week with the ab challenge as well. I know it's going to get easier from here. Plus after my workout I showed and exfoliated my body, which is usually something I only do if I'm shaving, but was a nice self care moment.

I also painted my nails today while I listened to Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. I'm over halfway through the book, and I'm really glad that I'll have Chain of Gold to look forward to because I love these characters and don't want their story to end. For my nails I decided to do a gradient starting with black on my thumbs and going through various shades of purple and then pink on my pinkie nails. I also added the Aurora Unicorn Skin topper from Holo Taco on top and it looks amazing.

And just a random thing about today is that my dad found this instant coffee yesterday while looking for something in a cabinet that doesn't get used much. He told me he didn't remember buying instant coffee ever and it must be older than me. When he dumped it out today, he found a coupon that expired in 1992! That coffee is at least 4 years older than me. We find entertainment in the littlest of places these days. 

3 Week Journey To A Better Self: Day 1

Hello all,
As I am writing this, it is May 11th and it starts the first week of my 3 week break before my next grad school class begins. During this time I was hopeful that I would have a job, but given the current situation that hasn't been possible. Instead, I will be using this time to better myself and forming good habits. This might be the only time in my life that I won't have work or school to worry about for this long of a time, so I have a plan.
So what does that mean?
Well, I have started getting back into working out. I just completed the Blogilates 7 day ab challenge and I plan to continue with her 7 day challenges over the next few weeks. Today began glute week and I am so excited! I already feel such a difference in myself after the week of abs and these workouts really are challenging without being so hard that I feel like giving up. lol. They have also made such a difference in my ability to fall asleep at night and for that I am so grateful! I just did today's workout and I feel like it was so much easier because I have built up the strength over the past week to be able to do the exercises. I am really proud of myself.
I am also trying to drink at least 32oz of water per day and I have been healthier with my snacking. I've swapped things like chips and pretzels for fruit or carrots and hummus. We've been making homemade hummus, yogurt, and kombucha. So good!
I hope to not only work out during this time but also to take part in other forms of self care as well.
This not only means having a self care day including a face mask and painting my nails, but also creative outlets and reading as well. I am so hyped to have this time to be creative and do things that make me happy.  

Things I plan on doing during this time include:

• Continuing my workout challenges
• Drink 32oz of water per day
• Make art
• Record lots of things for youtube
• Read
• Have a self care day once per week
• Blog about it all!

How To Stay Possitive When You Feel Like Everything Is Falling Apart Around You: Self Care in Quarantine

The world is in a weird place right now, and I think everyone is struggling at least a little bit with adjusting to the "new normal." You might be doing work or school at home full time for the first time ever. Or you might be a senior who is rightfully upset that they can't complete the year with their classmates. You might just be someone struggling with job loss or with the illness itself. Here are some tips that have helped me lately to get back on track and feel a little less down.

1. Get into a routine: I feel way less productive if all I do is roll out of bed and spend the day in my PJs until it's time to go to bed again and change into new PJs. Making a routine will allow you to feel some sense of normalcy each day even if all you are doing is watching Netflix. I just finished my class and have 3 weeks before my next one starts. I do not currently have a job because we just moved in February and I was planning on looking during this time that has turned into quarantine. I know that without a routine I am going to go stir crazy, so I am being extremely mindful of this. I always make sure to get up, make the bed, have my coffee, take my medications, get dressed, eat breakfast and start my day off right.
2. Journal: This might seem lame or unhelpful, but journaling can help free up space in your mind and allow you to get out your emotions in a healthy way. I am someone that has a hard time sleeping being my brain goes into overdrive. I cannot get the racing thoughts to stop sometimes without getting them out on paper and telling myself to let go. This will also be something to look back on to share with your children or grandchildren when they ask you about the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020 for their history class. If you have kids, get them into it too. You could even go a step further and make a time capsule. Add drawings, photos of the price of gas, journal entries, a letter to your future self.
3. Make your bed: This is such a simple task, but doing it first thing in the morning really gives you a sense of accomplishment and can inspire you to do more. I always feel better when the space around me is clean. And I love being able to crawl into a made bed at night rather than a mess of sheets, blankets, and pillows.
4. Don't forget to shower!: Something as simple as a shower can make you feel refreshed and ready to take on the world. If this is something you've been struggling with, remember to take it slow. You don't need to do a full routine, just wash your hair, body, and get out. Save shaving for another day. Or if you feel like doing a full routine, maybe use a deep conditioner or a DIY  body scrub. Whether you do a quick wash or a full on spa day routine, just make the effort and you will feel better for it.
5. Drink more water: Again, something that seems so simple. I am the kind of person that loves my coffee, tea, and soda and doesn't really like the taste of plain old boring water. I have been challenging myself to drink 32oz of water per day lately in addition to my other preferred beverages. I add lemon to it or other fruit that we can find easily at the grocery store, and this makes it way easier to drink the water because it actually tastes like something.
6. Exercise!: Now, if you are like me, this is the last thing you want to do right now. So start slow and do something you like! Walk your dog, walk around your neighborhood, do a stretching routine, follow a youtube video... the possibilities are endless. For the month of May, I am following the7 day challenges that blogilates is releasing every week. This first week has been abs, but honestly it is really much more of a total body workout. I am so sore! But it feels so good to check off that box every day! Doing something like this that I can follow along with and check off really makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something every day rather than UGH I need to workout. I have also been sleeping way better and my anxiety has been helped so much by this. And these are things I know happen when I exercise, it's just finding that initial motivation to do it!
7. Read: I enjoy reading but it can be difficult for me to allow myself to take a moment to slow down and pick up a book. I feel like I don't deserve the time to relax when there are so many other things I should be doing. But this is a bad mindset to have and I am trying to get past that during this time. But, I have found audiobooks really helpful because I can do other things at the same time. I use scribd and Libby for my audiobooks and this also prevents me from spending money on books if they are available to me on these apps. 

I hope you find some of these tips helpful... hopefully it's not just a repeat of what everyone is saying. These are genuinely things that have helped me feel better during this time.