Mission: Bikini Body

Unlike most years, when I'd only start thinking about this topic in mid-July once it's practically too late, this year I'm setting a goal to get in *great* shape by the time warm weather rolls around. Not just bikini-wearing shape, but proudly-taking-photos-in-my-bikini shape. (I just love the print of this orange swimsuit from my-wardrobe.com, btw...I could use something exciting in my closet.)

My hope is that publicly making this resolution, on this blog where I can easily check back on what I pledged, will serve as a reminder to not let myself down!

I'm in decent shape to begin with. I maintain a fairly healthy diet and have a strong core from years of staying active. But back in high school I was dancing/playing sports several times a week, and in college, I was dancing plus walking most places I needed to go. Now that I live in the suburbs and work a 9 to 5, things aren't as easily foot-accessible and I'm basically chained to a desk all day. I haven't joined a dance studio or a pilates class. I've fallen into a funk.

Which is too bad, because I'd say I'm piqued to be in my best shape ever. I'm finally over teenage awkwardness and that whole transition phase of college. I'm starting to feel like a real adult, with some self-confidence and maturity to match. Plus, since I can't just throw on jeans and a t-shirt for work, I'm starting to develop a sense of style that compliments my body instead of just covering it.

I'm sleeping more, cooking more, treating my body better. I think increased exercise would push me over the edge, to make me stronger and more toned. Off the top of my head, I've come up with a few easy ways to add more activity into my life:

1. Walk during lunch, not drive. I often pack lunch, but on days that I didn't last fall, I walked to the local supermarket for food. This wasn't very appealing in the cold winter but I'm going to try it again this spring. That adds 2/3 of a mile of walking into my life five days a week.

Even if I pack my lunch, I can still just go for a walk. It's refreshing break from sitting at a computer all day.

2. Bike to work. This one is going to be more difficult to take on. I don't yet have much biking stamina -- bought the thing in December -- and I'm kind of worried about biking down busy streets. But hey, practice makes perfect...and it's only three miles each way.

3. Dance. I love to dance and I miss dancing. Maybe I'll sign up for a class, maybe I'll just follow along with some fitness videos, maybe I'll plug in my iPod and rock out while cleaning my room. I don't know yet. But I know it makes me feel great and helps me stay trim.

4. Push ups. They're so damn good for you, targeting both the upper and lower body, and require no equipment. Aerobic exercises like the ones above will help me stay slim, but what I really want is to gain definition. And the areas I'd most like to work on are my upper arms and my abs, so push ups are a good start. For the next month, I pledge to do 30 push ups a day. (I did 15 today at work already. Yes, really.)

5. Any suggestions??

Busy Week Over! Eight Tips to Chillax

Whew, another weekend is upon us! I'm planning to spend all night chillaxing here at home by myself, trying to enjoy every minute of it. Sometimes we all need a bit of alone time to just focus on ourselves and unwind at our own pace. No schedule, no obligations, just a free night.

So, what is the difference between relax and chillax? I consider it subtle yet important in this setting. Let me use an example. Some people find reading The Economist, browsing blogs or watching historical documentaries relaxing. But to me, those activities are not chillaxing.

Chillaxing is an even greater break from your normal life, a time to recharge so you can return more mentally and physically focused. Like being sprawled out on a perfect beach under a big white umbrella, sipping something fruity and not being a bit worried about how you look in your bathing suit or getting sand in it! That's chillaxed.

Since we can't have an oasis like that all the time, we just need to carve out our own bits of heaven. Here are some ideas I have to help get there:

-Pamper your body: Light some candles, leave your watch in the other room and take a nice, warm bath or shower. Shampoo, condition, shave, put on a face mask, the works -- it's not like you're running late for work! After the shower you might continue this step by applying body moisturizer or manicuring ragged nails.

-Step away from the computer: Take a break from compulsively checking social media and e-mail, reading blogs or spending the night im'ing friends. The focus of the chillaxed night is you and your comfort. Enjoy the peace and quiet. See if you can even stay away from your cell phone.

-Get comfy: Pajamas work. So does anything else that will make you feel really comfortable. Your work clothes matched your 9 to 5 routine, now you need a get-up to match being more laid back. A mug filled with a warm drink is a great accessory for this outfit.

-Eat well: I know that in an effort to keep on schedule during the week, I often eat with the objective of fulfilling hunger instead of appreciating my food. But tonight there is no work to chow down over and no need to compromise for someone else's taste buds. Eat something tasty that won't upset your stomach. If you feel up to it, even cook a nice meal. Enjoy the preparation and the delicious product.

-Indulge a passion: Now is a great chance to lose track of time playing music, crafting, writing or working on another hobby.

-Give your mind a break: Pop on a feel-good movie, light-hearted television shows, soft music or read a fun magazine or book.

-Adore yourself: Hopefully it goes without saying, but since this is a night about taking care of yourself, make sure you're on-board with that spirit. Know that you're worth taking care of. :)

-Take on a little challenge: If you are looking for some productivity, I suggest trying an easy-to-conquer challenge that will leave you contented at the end of the night and ahead-of-the-game in the morning. This could be cleaning off a particular space which may have become cluttered during the week. Your bed or desk are probably likely candidates. Focusing your energy into removing all the items on those places that don't belong hopefully won't take too long and you'll feel much better after the work is done. It will leave you a new, clean space in which to chillax!

Other small projects could be reorganizing a medicine cabinet or straightening your closet. You probably don't get around to them during the week or when you have company, but you're on your own tonight. Care for your body and your living space....because that's what chillaxing is all about.