Thanks 5% Challenges

I do have much to thank the 5% challenges for.

One--my weight loss. Granted, my weight is not always going down, but because I know a 5% challenge is on my horizon I do try to hold the line. My recent 5% challenge was one of my better ones--best loss in a long while. So, I'll be building on that in the Summer 5% Challenge coming up. The accountability for what adds up to a loss is what keeps me coming back. We log our daily food, we exercise and move that plane, and we see the pounds drop off.

Two--the support! Can't say enough about leaders and teammates keeping spirits up and weight off. The weekly motivation makes keeping up easy.

Three--lifestyle changes. While we're all trying to find a lifestyle--not a diet--to keep us healthy, there are other components to health. In the 5% Challenges we are asked to add new components to that healthy journey. I've found that practicing them for 8 weeks--the length of the challenge--is a good way to incorporate them into my journey. I've added the habit of drinking water--only water, the habit of getting enough sleep--I know that varies for each of us but I've found my spot, regular movement--10 times a day, and it sounds like a lot, but once it becomes a habit you'll welcome it, and during the Spring Challenge we were asked to reach out to a person and socialize once a day.

This socialization was a game changer for me. Of course the pandemic and shelter in place were factors in not being with others regularly. But, as the challenge went on, I found myself contacting friends and acquaintances I'd not been in regular contact with even before the pandemic. While some of the contacts were phone calls and emails, I also started writing short notes to people. I had some cute notecards I used, or I received cards from organizations I support and used those. I've continued to contact people even though the challenge has ended. I now have made 2 social contacts part of my daily routine.

If your journey to health needs a shake up or a jolt to get going again, may I recommend the Summer 5% Challenge to you. You'll have fun, become healthier, make new friends, and enjoy this journey we're all on together.

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