LIFE

A New Normal

April 17, 2020

Well, two months later and I’m finally posting again. I have three draft posts sitting in the cue that I had planned on publishing in that time, but never got around to doing it. Now, they don’t even apply to our new lives nowadays.

We are in the middle of Week 5 over here in the Herrera household. Week. Five. I can’t say that I’ve figured out exactly the right formula for getting through the days. I think it is still a learning curve in how to navigate this new normal. Some days are joyful and productive. Other days are a shit show of epic proportions. Take Week 3 for example:

Monday started out great. I woke up before the sun, completed a workout, and meditated all before the boy was awake. Between work we spent time with distance learning, playing, and dancing. Later, an hour of “recess” while walking the dog and riding a scooter. Monday was pretty great. Then, Tuesday rolled around and I woke up feeling like all was lost. You know those days, especially right now. Where there isn’t a whole lot to look forward to, and it makes it especially hard to get up out of bed in the mornings no matter your obligations. This is how the rest of the week continued. While doing everything I could to keep up with full-time work responsibilities, I spent more time than I’d like to admit on the couch binging Outlander while the boy played games on his tablet. All meals were of the frozen variety or cereal. “Recess” became non-existent after 2 days thanks to another lovely cold front bringing with it snow. In a nutshell, it all went to shit.

This is how most weeks have been going thus far. They start out great, but don’t end as wonderfully. Week 5, however, has been going a bit differently. It actually started out how most weeks have been ending. After a week of Isaac being home from work and not having to tackle everything on my own, I realized quickly Monday morning that it was back to reality. I realized how much I relied on him to do pretty much everything between cleaning, cooking, and parenting so that I could focus solely on work. Being faced with yet another week without that support, and knowing it would be another 2 beyond that before support returns, I was already over it and the week hadn’t even begun. I wallowed in that most of the day. It wasn’t until the late afternoon that I made the decision to do better this week. Why? I really have no idea. Other than I just really felt like crap and was tired of feeling sorry for myself.

So, I made a plan. I sat down and worked out in my planner my timeline for each day. When I will wake, workout, write blog posts, support the boy in his distance learning, take him out for recess, conduct meetings and work assignments, cook dinner, etc, etc. I’ve also committed to “getting ready” each morning. I may wear loungewear to my desk, but at the very least I have to change both the boy and I out of what we wore to bed and do my morning skincare routine. I’m now on day 4 of this plan, and don’t hold me to it quite yet, but it’s feeling pretty good. I’m sitting at my desk writing this blog post after having meditated, worked out, and gotten ready for the day. The boy isn’t dressed yet, but baby steps.

If you’re having a hard time with your new normal as well, I highly recommend joining The Hollis’ #Next90Challenge over on their website (thehollisco.com). It’s a completely free course over the next 90 days (it’s currently on week 3), with a new 45-60 minute course posted every Monday discussing the focus of the week. In addition, there’s a free worksheet, their podcasts each week are related to that week’s topic, and they are constantly on social with tips and reminders. Weeks 1, 2, and 3 have focused on perspective, joy, and habits, respectively. This is an awesome (free) source of motivation that has helped me tremendously.

Finally, I’m going to finish this post with a thank you to all of the people on the front lines during this crazy time. The nurses, doctors, emergency personnel, janitors, postal workers, delivery drivers, cashiers, and everyone else in the direct line of fire and unable to stay home, thank you. thank you. thank you. Everyone seems to have been impacted, but as I sit here with another day of solely juggling full-time work, “teaching”, and parenting, I am fully aware of how privileged I am to be doing so, and I am incredibly grateful.

Until next time…

Healthy Living in 2020

February 18, 2020

I am not athletic. I’ve never been athletic. The only sport I’ve ever played was tennis for one year in high school. I spent more time with my best friends that lived next door, or holed up in my room with a book, or working a part-time job after school. I was never interested in playing sports, nor have I ever cared too much about being “healthy”.

I’m self-aware enough to say that being healthy wasn’t something I cared much about because I’ve always been what most people would label as skinny. In fact, I was so small that when most of my closest friends were naturally developing in junior high I was painfully, obviously not. I say obviously because most of the kids I attended school with liked to remind me of this on an almost daily basis. I’m old enough now to not care, but let me tell you 7th grade is not the best memory of my youth. I was closer to 18 before any true “development” started showing up. This came about in a completely unhealthy way by not caring what I ate, working in fast food, eating ridiculously late into the evening, and quite literally not moving my body in any way beyond just carrying it around.

My journey with my unhealthy eating and lifestyle as a whole, especially into early adulthood, is a story for another day. Needless to say, I in no way have ever done well with healthy living. However, in January of 2019 I decided to change that narrative. I began working out 4-6x a week and I spent time planning out and meal prepping most of my food. Up until the end of April I was doing well. I fell off the wagon for all of May due to family stuff, but then got back on it in June. I continued through with hiccups sprinkled here and there until October, and then due to more family stuff I spent more time off the wagon than on it for the remainder of the year. This is definitely not how I saw the year going. With that said, because I spent more time than not working towards a goal of healthy living, I was absolutely in the best health of my life in 2019.

With that in mind and trying to maintain a positive outlook, I started mid-January in getting back into my original goals from 2019. Since starting back up 5 weeks ago, I’ve spent most of that time exercising 6x/week. My workout split mostly looks like this:
Monday: Lower Body ST
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: Upper Body ST
Thursday: Run
Friday: Glutes ST
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Long Run and Abs ST
My rest day jumps from Saturday to Sunday depending on the week. There’s been a few instances where it worked out to be Thursday, and then I just shifted the remaining plan into the weekend.

As you can see I’m running 3x/week right now. I’ve never been a runner. I hate running. HATE. IT. However… I’m convinced that I can BECOME a runner. It’s all in my head, right? Well, this will be the third consecutive year that I plan on running the Bolder Boulder 10k and I would like to do so without feeling like my legs are going to fall off and I’m going to throw up my lungs. And you know what that means? Training. I’m currently running/jogging 3 miles with .20/mile walking in the beginning and .30/mile at the end for a total of 3.5 miles. If all goes as planned, I’ll be more than ready for BB in May, and well on my way to other races beyond that.

With all of this exercise comes the need for proper nutrition. Without going into great detail, I’m following a 90/10 rule in regard to clean, whole foods. When eating at home (which is the 90) I follow a plant-based diet centered around whole food recipes with some processed snacks (i.e. vegan jerky). When eating out or the occasional snacking around the office, I follow a vegetarian diet. I try to stay mindful and choose healthier options, but I’m also not going to feel bad for indulging. Also, sprinkle in a couple glasses of wine on the weekend and DRINK ALL OF THE WATER (that’s more of a reminder to myself than anything). My focus rests heavily on fueling my body for my workouts with a few days a week eating in a surplus to help my muscle growth.

I know everyone jumps on the bandwagon of losing weight and eating healthy when a new year rolls around, but it’s about this time when we start to taper off. That’s why I wanted to write this post now. Life is about living it to its fullest, and how are we supposed to do that when we don’t fuel our bodies to do so? Living life to the fullest is more than just getting to the end of it without regret over going on some grand adventure; it’s also about taking care of ourselves so that we’re capable of actually doing said adventure. No one will ever regret running that extra half mile, choosing real food, or having the energy to jump on the trampoline with your kid.

What do your health goals look like for 2020 and beyond?

Until next time…

Where We’ve Been… Part II

February 10, 2020

Here I am again, writing yet another one of these posts. It’s been almost four months. Time flies, yet drags on all at the same time.

I started this blog in January, 2019 having no idea the trials and heartache my family would go through in the span of eight months. This blog started as a way for me to chronicle our lives for all of our family that live states away, to talk about things that interest me, and to give in to this creative/writing energy that I’ve been holding onto for years. At no point did I think I would sit down to write about losing three (THREE!) people we love in such a short amount of time.

If you read what I’m now considering Part I of this post, then you know that in April we lost my step-sister. Prior to that, outside of losing my maternal grandmother when I was 17, I don’t think another person’s death had ever impacted me in such a profound way. I was a mess, and I was a mess for a while. That feeling doesn’t ever go away, either. I think I’ve just learned to embrace it for no other reason than I have to.

Fast forward to October. My husband had been visiting his parents as often as he could between his work schedule knowing that they both were sick. Mid-October we received a call from one of his sisters saying his Mom had been hospitalized and seemed like she was on a rapid decline. This, just days after being on the phone with her while she seemed in good spirits and completely lucid while talking to our son. We immediately flew back to Texas to be with her. We were there for a week, and when we returned home it was with the understanding that she wouldn’t be with us much longer, but we would make the trip back when we knew it was closer to that time. Less than 48 hours later, we received the phone call that she passed.

Fast forward to December. As if my husband losing his Mom wasn’t enough, we received devastating news that his Dad had terminal cancer. We had already made the decision to spend the week of Christmas in Texas, so we made the trip with the understanding that it could be our last with him, but with the hope that he had several months left. We returned home on December 29th, and received the call that he had passed on January 1st.

2019 was not good to us. Point blank. As a person that strives to be positive, despite my natural inclinations, it’s difficult for me to make that statement. It’s true, without a doubt, but I also think about what the year gave us: our first camping trip as a family, Little Man’s first trip out of the States, good friends having their first baby, being in the best health of my life at 31 yo, Isaac’s new job.. the list goes on and on. So yes, 2019 was not good to us and 2020 didn’t start out good either, but here we are doing our best to pick up the pieces.

To my husband: you are without a doubt the strongest person I know. I know you don’t believe that of yourself, but I know it enough for the both of us. What you have endured this year is more than most people in the span of decades, and yet you get up each day, work hard, and love us harder. I could not have dreamt up a better partner to be with on this journey. I love you.

So, that’s where we’ve been. It feels like we are somewhat back in the swing of a routine. Life looks different nowadays, especially for my husband, but we’re taking it one day at a time. I plan to be back here A LOT more with regularly scheduled posts on all the goings on: weekend things with my boys, all the health wealth series posts that were placed on the back burner last year, what I’m reading/listening to, and much more. Stay tuned!

When going through their things, this picture was found amongst the thousands of others (yes, thousands).
My absolute favorite picture of them, ever.
Belinda Sue & Mike circa ~1975

Until next time…

Health Wealth Wednesday: My Morning Routine

October 16, 2019

Welcome back to another Health Wealth Wednesday. Piggy backing off of last week’s Last 90 Days Challenge post and one of the 5 to Thrive (wake up an hour earlier), I’m going to walk you through my morning routine.

I’ve spent the last 9 months developing my routine. I’ve fluctuated with my wake up time, whether to eat or wait until I arrive at work, adding and subtracting supplements, and so on. The only thing that has not shifted out of my routine is exercise. My goal is to workout 5-6 times a week, with Saturday usually being a rest day. Depending on how things are going, another rest day will fall on a weekday. Here’s a break down of what my full morning looks like right now:

My alarm goes off at 4:35A. This a recent change in the last month. Previously I was waking at 5:00A, and months before that it was 4:00A. 4:35A has turned out to be the magic number. I know this is early, but it gives me enough time to get through all the things I enjoy before I have to focus on getting myself and the kid ready and out the door by 7:30A.
I immediately change into my workout clothes, put in my contacts, and head to the kitchen to drink water. The first thing to hit my stomach every morning is room temperature alkaline water. I drink roughly 10-12 ounces. I’ve tried warm lemon water, adding a probiotic powder, adding ACV, and celery juice. I have to say, I hate all of them. Warm lemon water as the first thing to drink is horrible; I have never liked celery, so juicing it and forcing myself to drink it is torture; and I don’t think I have to explain ACV. What I will never complain about? Hydrating myself with straight water first thing. It’s refreshing and plays a significant role in waking me up in the first 10 minutes of my morning. As soon as I drink my water, I take my pre-workout.
In order to give my pre-workout time to kick in, I then sit and meditate for 10 minutes. I use Headspace, the guided meditation app. I tend to stick to the courses that focus on a lesson each day. It helps me mentally prepare for my day ahead.
Now it’s time to move my body. For the days my husband is away for work and I’m solo-parenting, I exercise in my room with the help of a fitness program. Right now this is Kelsey Wells’ PWR at Home through the SWEAT app. Every workout is a serious sweat session (no pun intended) and I’ve seen substantial changes in my strength. The workout program changes every few months. I’ve completed programs by Sarah’s Day, BodyBoss, and FitGirls.
Once my workout is complete, I immediately wash my face and perform part of my skincare routine.
I then head out to the kitchen for coffee, Start Today Journal, and whatever book I’m reading at the time. This is by far my favorite part of the morning. It’s my time to be present, reflect, and focus. Lately I’ve been going outside and watching the sunrise during this time (bundled up in sweats, a blanket, and the fire pit lit, hello Colorado fall).
By this time it’s roughly 6:30A-6:45A. If I’m lucky, the kid is still asleep and I can start getting ready for work. This takes around 30-45 minutes. During this time I’ve moved from coffee to Ghost BCAAs Aminos in the flavor ___ and Whole Foods’ Supergreens to aid in muscle recovery after my workout. I combine them with 16 ounces of water, and it actually tastes awesome.
Lastly, this gives me 20 minutes to get Isaac ready for school, my lunch and our bags packed, and out the door.

A few additional notes: >> I use my phone as an alarm, but it is always plugged in across the room. >> I don’t check social media until after I’ve journaled and read. Some mornings I don’t check it until my first break at work. I work hard to be intentional about this and not allow myself to get sucked into the social media scroll first thing in the morning. It is not good for a present, positive mental state to start my day. >> I continue to drink water throughout the morning. By the time I walk out the door, I’ve already consumed 32 ounces of water. >> Most mornings Isaac wakes around the time I’m wrapping up my journaling/reading time. This means my focus will shift to getting him dressed and settled before I start getting ready. >> I only read personal development books as part of my morning routine. >> This routine 9/10x continues on Saturday and Sunday. The only deviations are I might sleep a half hour longer, and I won’t workout on a rest day.

And, that’s it! I can’t stress enough how having a morning routine has changed my life. I know that sounds crazy, but I promise, I promise, I promise it is not. If you don’t currently have a morning routine, please do yourself a favor and give it a try. Start with a half hour earlier to read a chapter in a book, meditate, workout, or just sit with yourself and a cup of coffee watching the sunrise. You will be shocked how much better you will feel and look forward to every morning.

Until next time…

Health Wealth Wednesday: Last 90 Days

October 9, 2019

Welcome to Health Wealth Wednesday. A new series of posts from now until the end of the year where I focus on all things mental, physical, and emotional health.

My health has been one of my top priorities in 2019. I’ve never taken care of myself both mentally and physically like I have this year. Having not been athletic all my life, I’ve done the whole start-and-never-finish-diet-and-exercise-routine more times than I can count. What changed in 2019? I legitimately have no idea, but I’m not complaining. I’ve found an appreciation for what fuels my body and becoming physically strong. On top of that, the science behind both of those things + how our energy is directly impacted by this earth (because everything is energy) is beyond fascinating. As such, I thought this series would be the perfect way to share my newfound love.

What better way to get started than talking about The Start Today Brand’s Last 90 Days Challenge, led by The Hollis Co.? This is the third? year of the Challenge, but my first participating. The concept is simple: finish the last 90 days of the year with as much exuberance for your health as you do the first 90 days. In order to achieve this, there are 5 “tasks” to complete each day. The Five to Thrive.

Wake Up An Hour Earlier. Can’t do an hour early? Stay up an hour later. New Mom and can’t sacrifice any of your sacred sleep? Friend, you should probably be sleeping now instead of reading this. The purpose is to simply carve out an hour of your day for yourself. To work out, meditate, read, take a bath, work on that side hustle, just sit in silence, whatever you need.
Move Your Body for 30 Minutes. This is simple. Whether it’s a full-on workout routine or just a jump on the trampoline with your kids, move your body.
Drink Half Your Body Weight in Ounces of Water. Again, self-explanatory. Hydrate!
Give Up One Food Item. Give up one thing in your diet that you know is bad for you. The item will change each 30 days. Diet Coke? Boxed cookies? Burger King runs every Friday after soccer practice? No more.
Practice Gratitude. Write down 5 things you’re grateful for each day. A fortifying cup of coffee? Write it down. New, healthy (yummy) recipe? Write it down. Sweet good mornings kisses from your toddler? Write it down.

I’m typing up this post 8 days into the challenge and honestly I haven’t done so great. I absolutely did not wake up an hour before my normal time when taking days off from work to hang out with my fam. I absolutely did not drink enough water. I absolutely ingested the food item I planned eliminating (refined sugar… birthday cake thooough..). With that said, every day is a new day. Every meal is a fresh start. Every minute is an opportunity to turn it around.

I thought it important to participate in my first Last 90 Days Challenge in what has been the most healthful, yet emotionally distraught, year of my life. I am strong. I am surviving. I am thriving. Not just for myself and my family, but for those who no longer can.

I’ll post an update in 30 days and let you know how it’s going. Days 7 and 8 have taken a turn for the positive, but dude there’s added sugar in everythiiiing.

Until next time…