Blogging truly is a dream job, a passion that aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I cherish every aspect of it, the creativity, the connection, the learning – everything, except for one significant downside…
…the reality of full-time blogging means a lot of dedicated hours seated in front of a computer. This sedentary lifestyle naturally translates to less movement, which, for many, including myself, often results in unwanted weight gain. It’s a common challenge in our digital age, often colloquially known as the dreaded “blogger butt.” And frankly, it’s a struggle I’ve been actively working to overcome!
It wasn’t always this way. Just a year and a half ago, my professional life as a retail display designer was vastly different. My days were a whirlwind of activity – seven hours of non-stop motion. I was constantly on my feet, dashing around the store, often double-timing up flights of stairs, climbing ladders to arrange displays, and regularly carrying heavy mannequins and other substantial items. This dynamic work environment naturally kept me in excellent physical shape, almost effortlessly. However, since transitioning to a full-time blogging career, that active routine has vanished. The direct consequence? A noticeable 15-pound weight gain, solely attributable to the dramatic decrease in my daily physical activity.
This experience has deeply reinforced the age-old adage: “Move More, Eat Less.” This simple, yet profound, philosophy has become my guiding principle. It’s what I now diligently focus on to shed the excess weight, reverse the effects of the “blogger butt,” and ultimately get back into the vibrant, energetic shape I once knew.
While weekends often provide opportunities for outdoor activities, invigorating bike rides, or long walks where I can truly work up a sweat, my main challenge lies in integrating more movement into my weekday routine. The weekdays are when I’m most tethered to my desk, and that’s precisely when I need to be more intentional about getting active.
To combat the sedentary nature of my work, I’ve started implementing simple yet effective strategies to increase my daily movement. For instance, when heading to the supermarket or the mall, I deliberately park in the farthest spot, forcing myself to walk those extra steps. I’ve made a conscious decision to always choose the stairs over elevators, no matter how many flights. Even for quick errands to nearby stores, if I only need a few items that I can easily carry, I opt to walk or ride my bike instead of driving. These small changes accumulate throughout the day, making a significant difference in my overall activity level and helping to counteract the prolonged periods of sitting.
I’ve also explored various workout options, and I’ve come to realize that traditional gyms aren’t for me. The idea of driving there, hunting for a parking spot, then waiting for equipment, or feeling crammed in a crowded class just doesn’t appeal to my sense of efficiency or comfort. I did enjoy a spinning class once, but the atmosphere was far from ideal for me – a windowless room with black walls, a frantic disco ball, and blaring music at 7 AM. It felt suffocating, despite the great workout it offered. For me, a crucial element of my morning routine is fresh air and abundant natural light. It truly invigorates me and sets a positive tone for the day.
Instead, I’ve embraced a home workout routine, which was working well until blogging started to completely consume my mornings. My biggest mistake has been checking my inbox first thing. Before I know it, I’m deep into answering reader questions and inquiries, and suddenly it’s 11:00 AM, my workout time completely missed. I’ve even enlisted my husband, Ed, to help me stay accountable; I’ve told him that if he sees me with my phone before my workout, he has full permission to tell me to put it down!
To ensure consistency, I’m now committed to strictly adhering to my morning routine. I’ve even meticulously scheduled it in my Planner Pad. My goal is to be up by 6:30 AM, without even a glance at my cellphone or turning on my computer. This dedicated hour is reserved solely for my workout. My regimen includes Pilates two days a week, focusing on core strength and flexibility. On three other days, I enjoy an hour of brisk walking, either outdoors enjoying nature or through my neighborhood. For those inevitable bad weather days, I have a dedicated workout space in my basement – which, thankfully, has windows and is a bright, inviting area. I use a collection of workout DVDs, mostly step aerobics, which I find provide an excellent all-around aerobic workout, keeping my cardiovascular health in check and my energy levels high.
The other crucial component of my “get back in shape” equation is the “eat less” aspect. This is often where the biggest mental battle lies. I consider myself well-versed in healthy eating principles; I know what foods I should embrace and which I should avoid. However, the constant barrage of tantalizing images on platforms like Pinterest – those mouth-watering chocolate cakes and decadent desserts – makes resisting temptation incredibly difficult. It’s a mental tug-of-war, where the desire to bake and indulge can be overwhelming. This is where a unique and highly effective visual motivation technique has come into play, helping me stay on track.
Just last week, while browsing through a Weight Watchers magazine, I stumbled upon a page filled with practical weight loss tips. One particular idea immediately resonated with me. As a highly visual person, the simplicity and tangibility of this method truly clicked. I knew instantly that I had to implement it into my routine.
The concept is brilliantly straightforward: you count out a number of marbles equal to the pounds you aim to lose and place them into a designated glass or jar labeled “Pounds to Lose.” Then, for every pound you successfully shed, you ceremoniously move one marble from the “Pounds to Lose” jar into a second jar, clearly labeled “Pounds Lost.” This isn’t just a quirky little craft; it’s a powerful visual reminder of your progress. Each marble moved represents a tangible step towards your goal, serving as a constant affirmation that your efforts – eating less and moving more – are indeed working. I’ve strategically placed my two jars on the windowsill above my kitchen sink, ensuring they are always in sight, a daily dose of motivation and accountability.
To further support my journey, I also decided to sign up for Weight Watchers Online. Given that my phone is practically an extension of my hand, the two accompanying apps have proven incredibly convenient and user-friendly. They offer an invaluable digital complement to my physical motivation jars, allowing me to track points, find healthy recipes, and stay connected to a supportive community, all at my fingertips. This combination of tangible and digital tools provides a robust framework for achieving my weight loss goals.
How to Make The Motivation Jars: A Simple DIY Project for Weight Loss
What You Will Need to Create Your Own Visual Weight Loss Tracker:
While I initially considered using my Silhouette machine to create sleek vinyl labels, I wanted this project to be accessible to everyone. So, I designed printable labels that can be easily produced with any standard computer printer. Here’s what you’ll need for this empowering DIY:
- “Pounds Lost” / “Pounds to Lose” Labels – available for download below.
- Two glass jars – I found mine affordably at Dollar Tree, but any clear jars will work.
- Marbles – ensure you have one for each pound you intend to lose. These are readily available in the toy department at stores like Walmart or Toys R Us.
- Self-seal laminating sheets – for durability and easy cleaning, found at Walmart or Staples.
- Spray glue or white craft glue – for adhering your labels.
- A good pair of sharp scissors.
1. To begin, click here to print your labels: Pounds-Lost-Labels. Make sure they are fully dry before proceeding to the next step.
2. Once your labels are printed and dry, cover them with a self-seal laminating sheet. This step is crucial, as it will protect your labels from moisture and general wear and tear, allowing them to be easily wiped clean and ensuring they last throughout your entire weight loss journey.
3. Using self-laminating sheets is incredibly simple. Just peel back the clear protective backing, carefully place your printed labels face up onto the adhesive side, and then smooth the clear sheet over the labels to create a secure seal. Press firmly to eliminate any air bubbles.
4. After laminating, use a pair of sharp scissors to carefully cut out each label. Trim neatly around the edges for a clean, professional finish.
5. Apply a light, even coat of spray glue to the back of each laminated label, or spread a thin layer of white craft glue. Carefully position the labels onto your glass jars, ensuring they are straight and centered. Smooth them down with your fingers to ensure they adhere completely and there are no wrinkles or air pockets.
6. Finally, place your calculated number of marbles into the “Pounds to Lose” jar. For example, if you aim to lose 15 pounds, you’ll put 15 marbles in this jar. As you lose each pound, remember to move one marble to your “Pounds Lost” jar, celebrating your progress with each transfer.
I am thrilled to report that my dedicated efforts and this new motivational system are already yielding positive results! I have successfully lost 5 pounds so far, a tangible testament that my comprehensive plan, embracing both mindful movement and smarter eating, is truly working.
Maintaining motivation on a weight loss journey can be challenging, and every little trick helps. Do you have any unique strategies, tips, or personal hacks that help you stay motivated and on track when you’re working to get into shape or improve your health? I’d love to hear your insights in the comments below!