BAD HABITS!!

Habits - part I

 Okay, true confession time.  I’m getting into some bad habits during the isolation.  

 Let’s see - some of the more public bad habits:

-1 I snack too frequently

-2 I sleep too much - and take naps too frequently (because I’m bored?)

-3 I can let dishes pile up in the sink

-4 I don’t always make my bed

-5 I’ve gotten a bit slovenly

(okay - one less-public bad habit - I sometimes re-wear clothes - after all, who is going to see me)

-1 Snacks

 These just happened.  It wasn’t that I was trying to do these things.  Sitting at my computer too long - and I need a break - so, I stand-up, stretch, and immediately look for a snack.  My favorite snack is peanut butter.  But what is peanut butter without a little butter and some jelly?  I’ve tried to at least cut back on the peanut butter - but then what do I snack on?  

 Yesterday I ‘discovered’ (not like it was really hidden) I had a box of Pumpkin Spice Mini Shredded Wheat.  I convinced myself it was okay as it has 21% of the recommended daily fiber.  (It also has too much sugar).  

 I like peanuts in the shell - (I’m having some as I write).  Not too much sugar, a good amount of fiber - and a terrible mess around my desk!!!

 

Maybe I need to stretch and instead of food, do some squats and lunges?  Maybe I need to spend less time on my computer - and more time doing productive things.  (Not that being on the computer is not productive - it is where I create these blogs) - but it is where I play Free Cell (7,101 games and 7,089 wins).  [Aside I like Free Cell as a solitaire game as I think it causes me to think more than most solitaire games.

 -2 Napping

I’m getting into bad sleep habits.  If I was working, I’d be up and dressed - with shower, breakfast, and reasonable clothes.  I think I took five naps yesterday.  All were of the 10-15-minute nature (I’m pretty good at short naps) - but five naps at 10 to 15 minutes becomes an hour (lost forever).

 

I have a recliner and (as a friend once said) - I have ‘recliner disease.  I can fall asleep in about three minutes - sometimes without thinking.  I had some music on and when I woke up, it had stopped.

 

-3 Dishes in the sink

Okay, I can rationalize this one.  I am a single woman living alone.  I don’t use many dishes.  About once a week, I put “all” of my everyday dishes in the dishwasher.  I have two plates I use almost daily, two bowls, three knives, forks, and spoons.  I have two pans I use most days (fry pan and a pan for oatmeal).  

 

Generally once a day I do the dishes.  (Okay, before the next meal - I’ll wash the plate that is soaking in the sink and reuse it.

 

-4 Slovenly

So, how frequently does one need to clean a 582 square foot apartment?  I vacuum twice a week; I mop the kitchen floor once a week.  I pick up my dirty clothes (although sometimes my bed becomes a resting place for things I can wear again).  

 

*****

There is a 21/90 rule for habits:

“One popular method to build habits is called the 21/90 rule. The rule is simple enough. Commit to a personal or professional goal for 21 straight days. After three weeks, the pursuit of that goal should have become a habit. Once you've established that habit, you continue to do it for another ninety days.” (https://www.capespace.com/how-the-21-90-rule-helps-you-build-good-habits-and-a-better-life/) 

The quarantine/isolation has gone on about eight weeks so far.  (So, about 56 days.  That is enough to make the habit.  I do have some time to break the habit.

*****

So, here I am - and you may be in the same boat.  Life just isn’t as interesting after 56 days of isolation!!!  And, if you are like me, it is easy to slip onto some less-than-desirable habits.

Tomorrow we’ll look at identifying and breaking those habits!!!

(One, good habit I think I have is writing something every day)

Hugs, love, patience, and kindness!!

 

Karen