30 Day Yoga Challenge: Day 6

Well, I did the first 2 days no problem, and was feeling great. I was all set to go at 9pm for on the 3rd day for the 9:30pm class, but made the mistake of stopping by to visit my boyfriend on the way, whom I hadn't seen really in a week because of his exams. Well, a five minute visit turned into a 30 minute catch-up, and when I realized the time it was 9:28, way too late to make it to class.

I was actually really bummed about that, and it didn't help my motivation to go the next day, as I was already feeling I had failed the whole thing, i might as well just give up. It's hard to realize one setback doesn't have to mean failure, and to be flexible with yourself. This was compounded by not making it the next day either. I had work the next day (Friday) from 12:30-4:30, so I couldn't go to any of the afternoon classes, and the 5:30 class was a poweryoga, which I'm definitely not ready for yet! I thought I could go at 7:30-9pm, even though I was on duty in rez starting at 8, because I figured my co-on duty person could cover me that first hour I'd miss, since nothing happens then anyway. BUT, when I called him, he was drunk and out partying, so I ended up having to cover for him the whole night instead. SO, i missed Day 3 AND Day 4. But I made it to Day 5 yesterday! And I feel so much better having done it. I almost missed it, almost opting to go for a beer out on a terrace with a friend, but she convinced me I'd feel better not missing yoga, and she was definitely right. (thanks blakey :) )

It was actually a lot easier last night, the poses are starting to feel better, more natural. And they have a huge poster on the wall with all the 30-Day challenge names on it, with a sticker for every day you go, which is obviously very elementary school-ish, but still, it's nice to see your progress and feel that bit of comradery with others going through the same process.

So today is Day 6, and I'm planning on studying from now until 6pm, and heading up to the 7pm one-hour yoga class. Maybe by week 2 I'll start feeling strong enough to attend the 1.5 hour classes without worrying about burning myself out.

Where to Start?

I have been interested in trying to live in a more healthy way for ages, but it's hard for a lot of reasons. For me, I'm a student. I don't have a lot of money to spend on organic foods, nor do I have time to spend cooking elaborate meals. Sometimes it's just easier to grab some thai express on the way to class! Especially for me, I live in a student residence with a mandatory 7 day meal plan, so it's sometimes hard to justify spending money on groceries, but at the same time, what I'm getting just isn't that good (health-wise).

I've got a few minor health problems that I'd like to see improved: acne, chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, knee pain (i'm only 23!), psoriasis, etc. Some claims of detox diets are outrageous enough to allegedly cure all ailments, but I'm mostly looking for something to just make me feel a little lighter, a little more energetic, a little more my age!

For now I am looking at information about the myriad of detox diets on the internet, and browsing books at the bookstore. I've bought the Idiot's Guide to Detoxing Your Body, and I'm reading up on the more general suggestions found there.

I'm also planning on doing a 30 day Bikram (hot) yoga challenge, which starts tomorrow. This means 30 consecutive days of hot yoga, to help me get in shape, as well as focus more, and sweat out the toxins!

I'm psyched.