I’ve actually been struggling with the insanity of working from home.
I thought it was going to be a dream, and it has it perks (working in PJ’s anyone?), but it’s proving to be more challenging than I originally thought. Most weeks, I communicate with others via email only, so there’s almost no face-to-face interaction!
I sit pretty much all day. I’ll workout with Peter in the morning and then sit the rest of the day! Being a very social person, this has left me feeling tired, a little sluggish and a little like an eager puppy dog ready to play when Peter comes home (Peter still works at a J.O.B. during most days of the week… hopefully not too much longer). Pretty much it has me feeling not like myself, and not how I want to feel; and this has been going on for about 6 months now! Can we say way too long?
Finally it hit me, I am going INSANE!
Haha, but seriously…
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again
and expecting different results” ~ Albert Einstein
Ah ha, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing, but not anymore! Keep reading, at the end I’ll let you know how I am rectifying this situation!
All this got me thinking (and I’m willing to bet a lot of you are having this problem) if you’re not careful you might be following the insanity diet. You want to feel better, lose weight, have more energy, cook more, etc. – but you’re not making any changes! Well, we want to help you because Peter and I do not follow the insanity diet and highly recommend you don’t either ;)
Use these 5 ways to avoid the insanity diet and see some much-deserved results:
- Change Something! Anything really. If weight loss is your goal, move for 15 minutes more than you do every day or cut out dairy from your diet. *Dairy rant coming up: Dairy is so not necessary for a healthy diet. I mean we are the only mammals who continue to drink milk after we are baby’s AND we drink cow’s milk which is used to grow cows… if your goal is to lose weight definitely ditch the dairy. Maybe your goal is more energy, try going to sleep 15 minutes earlier, or going for a walk every day, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Or maybe you want to cook more of your meals. Start with dinner (as we usually have more time in the evenings), and set aside 2 hours every night – that way if you need to shop you can do that and make an easier dinner. If you don’t need to shop, you can make a more fancy dinner… ooo la la…
- Get Help! This is one took me a long time to get because I want to do everything myself; but sometimes even I need a little help. If you’re trying to get healthier maybe sign up for a program… I really like this one ;) or if you want to workout more: join a gym, yoga studio or get a personal trainer. If cooking more is your goal, but you don’t have any cutting boards, go out and get yourself a cutting board! Sometimes you have to spend a little money to get the things you really want. We don’t have time to be the experts in everything, nor should we have to be; time is valuable, so spend it on things you love doing! Get help with the rest!
- Start Today! I’m so serious about this one. Actually, not today… right now! if you can :) Don’t wait until Monday, the New Year, a new week, or after the holiday! You are only prolonging the insanity, and if you mess up your new whatever, that’s ok; but that’s not a good enough reason not to start right not. I mean, you can’t really make the situation worse by making changes now. Life is so short and you never know how much time you have. I promise, if you get started today, then next week, month or even next year you will be SO happy you didn’t wait.
- Tell People! This step is also called accountability. When you talk about the things you are doing, you are NOT being annoying (trust me) but you are holding yourself accountable. People are going to follow up with you and ask you how that thing is going and that’s going to help you achieve your goals.
- Find Your Tribe! Peter and I talk about this all the time. Support is so important, that’s why we created our non-profit; that’s why we created The Seasonal Diet; to create a support system for those who don’t have one in their life when it comes to healthy eating. The great thing about the internet and social media in general is that there are so many healthy eating tribes you can join. If you are reading this you’re at a good spot. I suggest following people who are doing/living how you want to. Follow them on social media, read their blogs and maybe connect with them in real life if you can. Another part of this one is… unfollow or leave tribes that no longer serve you. If you are trying to eat healthier but follow a fast food company on Facebook, you’re going to be tempted every time you see their ad’s. It’s time to part ways, and trust me, your better off!
Ok, now you have some things to take action on:)
Let me be the first to tell you. You have got to get off the Insanity Diet, and me personally, I am no longer dealing with the insanity of working from home and it feels great;)
Here’s what I’m doing, starting today:
- I am getting ready = no PJ’s/workout clothes two days in a row!
- I am going to work from coffee shops/ the library at least twice a week… even if that means I have to spend some extra money on a matcha latte or a green juice… bummer:)
- I am currently writing this from the library…go me!
- I’m telling you! Ask me how it’s going on Facebook, cheer me on!
- I have an awesome Tribe, The SD Tastemakers. You guys inspire me all the time with your stories and photos.
Ok, your turn, leave a comment below and let us know….
If you have been participating in the Insanity Diet, what are you going to do about it?
Maybe it’s not the insanity diet but something else? If so, what is it and what are you going to do about it?
P.S If you want more practical tips to improve your diet, make sure you get on our newsletter as we share our 10 commandments for healthy living!
3 replies to "How to Avoid The Insanity Diet"
To avoid the work- at- home insanity, you should consider trying Hera Hub, a collaborative co-working space for women! I joined there recently after working at home for eight and half years (talk about isolation and insanity!), and I’ve met some fantastic people and been introduced into an energizing work environment. Just thought I’d share :-)
Hey Alexis!
Thanks so much for your comment. I have heard great things about Hera Hub and am actually planning on checking it out this month at a networking event, maybe I’ll see you:)
Hey Sarah and Peter. I just found you guys and I see you have now moved. I will have to check out your new site! Congrats Sarah on writing this post from the library and the focus you are making on the writing and getting the “farmer’s market” type of lifestyle out to everyone.