12 Months to a Healthier You is a monthly challenge I’ve decided to take on. By taking on small challenges every month I’m hoping to make lifelong changes in the way I live.

Wow, I’m getting pretty bad at posting… this post is way overdue.  I’m hoping that with school in full swing, we’ll be on a better, more consistent schedule- at least for the next few weeks until Rosh Hashana.

As a reminder, here are this year’s focus areas:

12 Months to a Healthier You

Focus Areas for 2014

January: Exercise Regularly
February: Eat More Fresh Fruits & Veggies
March: Drink More Water
April: Cut Back on Sugar
May: Get More Rest
June: Create a Morning Routine
July: Read More
August: Go to Bed Earlier
September: De-clutter Your Home
October: Cut Back on Caffeine
November: Keep a Gratitude Journal
December: Simplify & Say No

September Goal: De-clutter Your Home

This sounds like a challenge that I wouldn’t probably been more receptive to around Pesach time.  There is no way I am going to de-clutter my entire house, so I’ll just choose one small area… which I haven’t decided on yet.

A few areas that come to mind- basement, garage, clutter on our computer desk… I guess we’ll see how much time I have at home to complete this challenge.

Past Months In Review

August: Go to Bed Earlier-  I didn’t keep track of what time I actually went to bed, but I think I’ve really made an effort not to stay up too late.  I can’t remember the last time I went to sleep past 11pm on a work night.

July: Read More– I haven’t read any books this month… only my weekly Binah magazine.  I think it’s mostly because I have been resting on the train/bus to work and have been spending most Shabbos afternoons outside with the kids.

June: Create a Morning Routine– Now that school has started we’ll hopefully be able to get into a much better routine.  I hope to have something to report back next month.

May: Get More Rest- Well, the good news is that DS3 has slept through the night for the past few days (bli ayin hara!).  Does that count?

April: Cut Back on Sugar- I haven’t bought a muffin in quite a few weeks!  Progress…

March: Drink More Water- I had to throw out my water bottle 🙁  It was growing some nasty stuff on the bottom, even after washing it out.  So, back to paper cups.

February: Eat More Fresh Fruits & Veggies- I’ve been taking 2 fruits to work with me along with roasted veggies.

January: Exercise Regularly- Busy work schedule and heat have made me take the train more than I would like to.  Maybe back to walking soon?

My progress overall is very slow, but I’m happy with it.  I have a super busy life and can’t always make time to work on myself, but at least with this challenge I know I’m trying.

What area of your home needs to be de-cluttered?

Until next time,
Shaindy