I am the queen of making lists. They’re all over my apartment. On sticky notes, in notebooks, in my phone. Everywhere. There are few things more satisfying to me than crossing something off of a list. Or accomplishing something not on the list, adding it to the bottom, and then crossing it off. I know you’ve done that too

I have a “books I want to buy” list, including books by Sarah Colonna, Sophie Kinsella, Mindy Kaling, and Nora Roberts.

I have a “chores I need to do” list, including sweeping the kitchen floor and wiping out my fridge crispers.

I have my “songs to download” list, including Neon Lights by Natasha Bedingfield (it’s old, but I recently fell in love) and Haley Reinhart’s new album.

My ever growing “TV series to begin watching” list, including Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and The Walking Dead.

I have the standard “there’s no food left in my house fridge and I need groceries” list (that always exists).

Today, I’m beginning a new list. It’s a gentle reminder to myself.

I’ve talked about this before … but lately, I’ve been pretty dang busy with work. To the point where I’ve allowed my gym routine to slide over the last few weeks. My body wants and craves that extra sleep, obviously, so I only get out of bed for my morning workouts maybe three times a week. I know it’s important to listen to what your body wants, but I know I also need to be active. Sometimes I’ll get myself to the gym at the end of the day instead. I really try, but it’s tough. My eating habits are still mostly okay, but could use some tuning up. I’ve been making a lot of stops at Pita Pit or Subway to eat my lunch. I tend to make healthy choices there … but eating at home is ultimately better for my body and for my wallet.

I’m not beating myself up. I know life gets in the way. It happens! But I thought it would be nice to reflect on how important is to try and carve out some time for that part of my life.

So here is my “why it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle even though you’re busy and it’s the last thing you want to do” reminder list:

- Exercising is an excellent release. I know I feel better when I get a solid sweat in. If I work hard in the morning, it prepares and rejuvenates me to take on the day. If I go after work, the endorphins help me destress after a hectic day.
- Buying lunch (although 9/10 it’s healthy) is not going to help me pay off my student loan/help me afford the new dresses I need to buy for weddings and the like this summer.
- Getting to the gym will help me accomplish my treadmill goal for July. I can’t get say I’ve completed it if I don’t get there!
- I’ll feel better. This is such an important point. When I don’t go to the gym, I feel … blecky. I don’t like that feeling.
- It’s how I live my life. It’s part of my identity. If I’m not eating right/doing my thang in the gym, I’m not myself! Living a balanced life has become a huge part of me … I don’t want to mess that up

There are so many more reasons, but the list could get overwhelming.

Why do you live a healthy, balanced life?