21/90 Day Rule : Morning Walk - Week One Entry

It is said that it takes 21 days to build a habit and 90 days to turn it into a lifestyle. This is the challenge I’ve embarked on. Ever since I started working at the new company I’m in, I've been clued to my desk for almost 9 hours a day. Initially I tried to go on walks with friends after work and it went well for a month or so until our timings didn’t coincide anymore. Then, it just went downhill from there. I’ve stopped doing any form of exercise, I stopped dancing which I love, I’ve stopped stretching and I’m just so tired from work that I don’t want to do anything else but to Netflix and chill.

It got really bad one week where I felt so weak and I was literally drained like there was no energy left in me. That’s when I realized, it’s time to do something with my health. I have to start getting active again and what better way to start than to walk in the morning! This way I get it done and checked from the list of things I have to do.

I decided to journal my daily walks as a form of accountability and personal encouragement that I could look (read) back to later on for when I need inspiration and motivation. I tried not to edit the entries as much as I can because I want it to be as raw as possible. Most of these entries were written at the end of the way before I slept, so excuse my sentences (if they don’t make any sense grammatically) in advance as I probably typed them out in a hurry.

“...it takes 21 days to build a habit and 90 days to turn it into a lifestyle...”

Day 1

Woke up at 6am. I was so determined to wake up on time that I dreamt that I woke up early and watched the sunrise. It was surprisingly easy to get out of bed. Probably because I slept by 11.30pm last night. Plus, took out and kept my workout clothes ready.

Since it was my first day, didn’t want to over do it. It was really chilly when I stepped out of the house. I walked for about 10minutes, then came back home and exercised for another 10.

I felt fresh after the workout and was ready to start the day. I was expecting to feel really sleepy midday but surprisingly I wasn’t. I felt the sleepiness only by 8.30pm. It was a good start to day 1.

Day 2

I wanted to hit the snooze button today and sleep a bit longer. Forced myself to get out of bed at 6am. I walked a bit longer than I did yesterday. I saw 5 people walking today as well.

I don’t normally eat breakfast but today I did - boiled eggs and cucumber drizzled in lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper.

I wasn’t as sleepy in the evening as I was yesterday. It’s probably because of the interesting movie I was watching - Robin Hood to end day 2.

Day 3

Since I’ve been sleeping and waking up early, my dreams have been vivid and I seem to remember them much better. Today, I really wanted to sleep in. As usual I forced myself to get out of bed.

I walked longer today than I did the past few days. I’m surprise I still have a lot of energy and I didn’t feel sleepy at all. Day 3 done.

“I have more energy throughout the day since I started the morning walk.”

Day 4

It gets harder and harder to wake up everyday. It’s just the initial getting out of bed and not falling back to sleep that is a challenge. Once I’m up and going, it feels good.

I think it even helps with my energy levels throughout the day. I’m literally with so much energy but it’s not easy waking and getting out of bed. 4 days down and more to go.

Day 5

It wasn’t a good day. I didn’t wake up on time and therefore couldn’t walk as much as I’d like. Today’s walking session wasn’t as refreshing. I woke up tired and even though I walked I didn’t feel as good as the last couple of days. It’s the weekend, hopefully it’s better tomorrow.

Day 6

It’s the weekend and I woke up an hour later than normally do. I also woke up with a heavy head. I felt better during my walk but it didn’t really go away even after breakfast. It was more than just a headache, it was a migraine. Took some medicines and took an afternoon nap. Hopefully tonight, I’ll be able to sleep so I can wake up fresh tomorrow for Day 7.

Day 7

Yay! I made it to week one. I snoozed the alarm today unintentionally and woke up at 6.10. Rushed to change and get out of the house by 6.20am. It’s always a struggle to get out of bed in the morning when I don’t get enough sleep the night before. I wasn’t really motivated to walk today but I just pushed myself. Of course I always feel better after the walk and I’ve been sleeping well. Cheers to the first week, looking forward to the week 2!

“I always feel better after the walk and I’ve been sleeping well”

Reflections on week 1

It’s easy to wake up in the morning but the challenge is getting out of bed. I find that I have more energy throughout the day since I started the morning walk. I’m more alert and fresh. Also, I don’t have to worry about working out or going for a walk after work where I’m already tired and all I want to do is chill. So, it’s been a good week. I do miss snoozing my alarm off though but I’ve been sleeping early and have been getting enough amount of sleep. Hope, I bring the same energy to week 2.