Exercise. Diet. Calories. Sleep. Yikes! It can feel totally overwhelming when it comes to creating structure and routine to lead a healthier (and hopefully) happier life, can’t it? Throughout the shooting and writing process of my book I had been swimming regularly, but my crazy schedule meant my diet had suffered, especially when I was on the go so much during my book tour. Running Bright.Bazaar singlehandedly means I’m juggling everything from invoicing and contract negotiations, through to blog post writing and photo shoot styling, photography and editing – I love it but it sure does keep me busy! I had been keen to take steps to improve my diet and increase my exercise for sometime, but I felt daunted at the thought of yet another thing to add to the To-Do list and it was easy to find excuses not to dive on in and get started.
However, at the start of this year I made the decision to try my hardest to lead a healthier life. I added a regular gym routine to follow my usual swims, and I made a concerted effort to pay closer attention to the food I was eating. Yet, all I had to monitor my progress or keep me on track was my memory. I figured this would be no problem but the distractions of day-to-day life and running my business meant that is actually was difficult to keep on track.
That’s why I was delighted to partner with Jawbone to try out their new UP24 band – it was just what I needed to help me keep a focus on my daily levels of activity, exercise and diet. As the UP24 band syncs my movement and sleep patterns automatically via bluetooth with an app on my iPhone, it really does streamline the process of recording and remembering my activity on any given day. I recently had problems with my back due to too many hours spent working at a computer, so I am hoping that the vibration within the band that happens automatically if you have been inactive for too long will help remind me to take screen breaks. In addition, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to utilise the app to keep a closer track of what I am eating and how my diet is shaping up around my busy schedule. In the past eight months or so I’ve found it both rewarding and challenging as I explore and think more deeply about how to achieve my mission to live a make-you-smile style life. I know for sure that eating better and being more active is a huge part of this, so I’d love to hear of your own stories of leading a life that’s more respectful of your body? How do you stay motivated? Perhaps you have some great tips to share for exercise and diet? I’d love to hear them all! Have a great weekend, guys.
// Photography by Will Taylor | Posted in partnership with Jawbone but all views and experiences my own.
16 Comments
I stay motivated by reminding myself how good I feel after a workout!
Thanks for sharing this post 🙂 Sounds like an awesome app. I’ll have to check it out.
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
@Azu – That’s a very good point, to focus on the endorphins released post-workout! Thanks for sharing and enjoy the band! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Thank you for sharing your experiences on your journey to living a fitter life. I have really struggled to eat better and move more in the last five years for the same reasons you wrote about. Jawbone is new to me so I will be looking into it now for my husband and I. Thanks, Will!
@Jules – My pleasure! Sending you positive vibes for your next steps – you can do it! 🙂
You make the band look so good! I was concerned about them being too chunky but definitely going to try one out this weekend now. Thanks for sharing your personal story as well.
@Sally – Thank you! I had the same concerns about fitness, activity and health wearable tech before but this band is genuinely comfortable and stylish, I think! 🙂
I like this, I’m useless at looking after myself and often find myself on the edge of burnout before I start to look after myself. Will it cook for me too? 😉 he he
Thanks for sharing *adds to xmas list*
@Ash – Thanks for stopping by. I totally hear you re: burnout and I think the band is great at keeping us more aware of how we treat our bodies. If you discover that it does cook for you, please let me know ASAP! 😉
I need one of these! Love seeing actual numbers and stats to keep the momentum going. Now to get to the gym and get started again.
@Brooke – Right?! So great for motivation and keeping you on track!
THAT BAND IS A PRETTY GENIUS IDEA, AND SO STYLISH! Are you standing on your own property? Looks gorgeous!
@Mary Beth – Sadly not, it’s public property but beautiful all the same! Thanks for the kind words about the band looking stylish, too! 🙂
It’s great to know that keeping the balance is difficult for everyone! Luckily, my sister and I run our brand together, so we can help hold each other accountable (although sometimes that turns into just enabling each other:). For us, getting enough sleep, water, and good food come fairly naturally. It’s the exercise that’s harder…We walk to and from our Studio every day, but scheduling more doesn’t always happen.
@The Bellie – Thanks for sharing your experiences! The walk to and from the studio is a great place to start; it’s great that you have one another to keep motivated with, too! 🙂
Hi Will. Trackers are the best and also a good motivator I find. I love the idea of a vibrate feature when you’ve been inactive too long, for a blogger or anyone that works from home in front of a computer, it’s almost crucial. AND I have to say that you’re looking great Will, I’ve noticed in the past few months that you’re looking really fit and healthy so it must work! Thanks so much for your lovely message of encouragement, much appreciated. Mel xx
@Mel – Thank YOU for your kind words of encouragement, too! 🙂 x