My bad habit is not forming good habits
April 30, 2008
I am terrible at forming good habits. I’m convinced that that part of my brain never developed. So, I have no problem sitting at the computer for 3 hours but ask me to get up to do any of the following and it’s like I’ve just been asked to run a marathon. I’m kind of hoping I’m not alone, but just in case I am, I thought I’d put up this poll in a weak effort to shame myself into making some changes. Below is a list of things that are generally considered to be good habits (you can argue this in the comments below):
- brushing teeth at least twice a day
- flossing teeth
- washing face at least twice a day
- getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week (any exercise you happen to get due to running for the bus or window shopping in the mall one day does not count (unless you’re a mall walker!))
- eating at least four veggies and/or fruits every day (this is far below the recommended amount in Canada. The food pyramid used in the States doesn’t seem to have general recommended amounts (I may have missed them) but you can get personalized amounts for your height and weight here—so cool!).
- engaging in at least one of yoga, pilates or weight training at least twice a week
- using sunblock every time you go in the sun (ok, at least five days in a row)
- drinking at least 1L of water each day (the recommended amount is 2L)
- taking vitamins and/or recommended dietary supplements daily or as prescribed
- avoiding eating meat at least once a week (this has to be deliberate; it doesn’t count if you just happened not to have meat at home or if you’re too lazy to make a meat-y meal)
Next, here’s the poll. Please pick the most correct answer for you from those listed below:
Finally, let me know in the comments exactly which of the above you are guilty of not doing, or what things you deserve a pat on the back (and a small, fat-free cookie) for doing.
Thanks for playing!
Do all the way: I brush twice a day and floss regularly. I drink at least a liter of water per day and I eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Try to do: I try to do cardio and weight training but I don't do it as much as is recommended per week. I try to use sunblock regularly.
Gave up on: I was washing my face twice per day but it was actually making me break out so I stopped. And I was taking a multivitamin every day but I've read conflicting studies about them and so I've stopped.
Don't do: Avoiding eating meat. Screw that.
i havent been flossing, i know i should but i really dont like doing it
First, let me join you in saying that I find it much easier to spend 3 hours at the computer than 1 minute flossing!! :)
Things I do regularly:
* brushing teeth at least twice a day
* flossing teeth — but I find this really challenging!
* washing face at least twice a day — I can't help but do this
* engaging in at least one of yoga, pilates or weight training at least twice a week
* drinking at least 1L of water each day (the recommended amount is 2L) –I do this most days and then some days I drink no water and feel awful.
* avoiding eating meat at least once a week — I've been a vegetarian for about 14 years, so this is not a problem. :)
Things I sometimes do:
* getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week — Sometimes, but very rarely.
* eating at least four veggies and/or fruits every day –I eat a lot, but somedays…
* using sunblock every time you go in the sun (ok, at least five days in a row) –I use it whenever I'm going to be outside for an hour or more, but not everyday. I burn really easily, so that is good motivation
I just don't do:
* taking vitamins and/or recommended dietary supplements daily or as prescribed
I never floss. Never.
Smoking is a good habit I also indulge in, not mentioned tho.
The fact that I do all 10 makes me feel like a loser. :p
At my peak of physical activity, I was cycling 12 miles to and from work, swimming one night a week and going to the gym three times a week. God I felt great.
When I got sick I couldn't move a lot of the time and it was very frustrating. I'm still doing what I can though and that's walking for about an hour a day. I'm recently started using my exercise ball again [so fun] and I'm going to get my 1kg weights out and start doing some very gentle weight lifting.
The only reason I'm not doing more is that I can't breathe very well, I am on the waiting list for some surgeries to fix it.
I find it much easier to maintain a good body than it is to start again from scratch – whether exercise, face washing or dental hygiene.
Maybe the last one doesn't count because I'm a vegetarian? Then I wouldn't be such a goody-two-shoes.
- brushing teeth at least twice a day — I go on kicks where I brush several times a day, and then forget and go back to 1-2 times
- flossing teeth — see above
- washing face at least twice a day — try to, generally make it once
- getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week — Screw that
- eating at least four veggies and/or fruits every day — See above
- engaging in at least one of yoga, pilates or weight training at least twice a week —Bwahahaha, you're so funny
- using sunblock every time you go in the sun– I use sunblock when I'm avoiding burning a sunburn.
- drinking at least 1L of water each day — Well, you make coffee with water, so maybe…
- taking vitamins and/or recommended dietary supplements daily or as prescribed — Phooey…
- avoiding eating meat at least once a week — You've got to be kidding me
This may be coming from ME, and I'm not the most credible person in this area, but sheesh, Jooms. Don't sweat the small stuff. I consider it a good day if I make it out of bed and put on pants. I'd break out in hives if I stressed about vitamins, exercise, and water consumption.
A bit of trivia – on average, if you do anything regularly 13 times, it will become second nature. So choose anything on your list and after doing it 13 times, you won't even have to think about it…