forwardfromtheheart: Lazy Days

Hanging out on the couch

As a Pilates instructor I don't get many lazy days. We all have those mornings, driving into work, where we feel like another cup of coffee is needed. Or a nap. But for me, once I walk in the door at the studio, I have to be on. Teaching a cycle class. Working one-on-one for with a client. Teaching a four person Reformer class. And those students are counting on ME to be the energizing force in the room. So much for a case of the Mondays ;) Hold on. I am not complaining. Definitely not. I love that my job keeps me moving. Each hour my job changes. Manager creating a new schedule or contacting local media. Pilates instructor working with a client. Teaching Yoga to a group of 6. Lifting weights in Cross Training. And that is just one shift! It's amazing, it's fun, it is everything I could ask for in a job. But I do get tired sometimes. In the past I would just keep pushing through being tired, being stressed. But I have learned to read those signals and take time to care for my body. Every few months I need to take a lazy day, or two, in order to stay healthy and happy.

In case you missed it here is what my typical work week looks like.

Lots of teaching and 3-4 of my very own workouts. That is why I need to put on the brakes sometimes. And that is just what I did on Friday. The studio where I work is closed for Labor Day Weekend. Friday just happened to be a cloudy, rainy day. After a busy first week of school Levi was perfectly happy to just hang out at home. We watched movies, cuddled under a quilt and made play dough. That evening I made a big batch of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and ate more than my fair share. On my lazy weekends I tend to eat a little more than usual. I feel kind of like a bear gathering up my fat stores. Except I am not preparing for hibernation, I am preparing for major and near constant activity.
On Saturday the family and I went out for brunch. Normally I would get something with fruit and eggs and all healthy-ish. This time I had biscuits and gravy with over-easy eggs.JF made the comment that he had never witnessed me eating biscuits and gravy in the 11 years we have been together. But I had been craving it and thought "why not?" And a couple of stolen bites of Levi's french toast. If you have never had biscuits and gravy from First Watch I highly suggest them.
Saturday evening was spent watching movies and snacking on my latest obsession: baguette and Brie.
So for Friday and Saturday I did not workout all all. This is a pretty big deal for a workout junkie like myself. But I can honestly say that I feel rested and re-energized from my lazy days. I was able to run 4.5 miles yesterday and today I am back to fruits, veggies and lots of lean protein...yay for nuts! I am also starting the Green Smoothie Challenge today, make sure to check Katherine's blog for a tasty smoothie recipe. 7 days of adding extra greens. I am so excited!