How Was Your Week? Three Wheels on My Wagon and an Anti-Snoring Plant

This week has been challenging, especially as it was time to admit I’d failed on some of the health goals I’d set last month as part of the #wellnessremiagined linkup. But maybe ‘fail’ is not the right word; I’d just taken a minor detour before getting back on track.

‘Fooded’ Out in February!

My goals for March were:

“Gradually ramp up the exercise. Complete the track and/or shore walk. Continue to avoid Ultra Processed Foods. Get back on the 80/20. Weekly recipe. Research gluten intolerance as a starting point to identify which foods cause the bloated Buddha belly.”

Review:

Exercise: I was doing great following Rick’s standing abs exercises until last week when, keen to build on my newly acquired skill of getting up off the floor unaided, I changed focus. My friend and fitness coach suggested exercises to build muscle in my knees. However, instead of approaching them gently, my enthusiasm overruled self-preservation, and I overexercised and paid the price. My knees and lower back ached so much I could hardly walk, and because of the pain (I rarely take painkillers, I felt meh! This lasted nearly all week and is still ongoing. Arrrrgh! March ended on a down note.

I forgot the quote: Take small steps each day.
You might not get there today but you’ll be closer than yesterday. Anon

I never completed the beach or track walk as the weather has been crap. One moment, bright sunshine, and the following, high winds and heavy showers.

Diet: I am sort of back on the 80/20, but it’s more like 20/80, if I’m honest. Weight loss? That wheel fell off the health wagon. UPF—I am still mindful at home, but avoiding when we eat out can be more challenging.

Gluten intolerant? I’m not sure. Bread makes me bloat, and so do raw bananas and cabbage. I still have to check out pasta.

My goals for April: As above, but also work on mindfulness, avoid politics, and focus on what is in my control. Mr Piglet reminded me of the prayer I used to quote him in.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

**

POLITICS: The crazy politics emanating from the USA and other parts of the world are making me anxious.

Last week, I resolved to stop doomscrolling and watching the News for one week. I kept to it and felt more at peace. Back in December 2024, I felt I was about to implode, so I blocked out all Social Media and news for a whole month, and I’m tempted to do so again. But will this cause me more stress?

How do you deal with the current craziness and stay sane?

**

ANTI-SNORING PLANT—This has got to be an April Fool’s gag, right? But I bought it on the 3rd and I’d only bought it because I had admired it on one of my fellow bloggers’ gardening posts. Honest!

When I showed Mr Piglet my latest plant acquisition, he smiled and then laughed when he read the label:

This unique anti-snoring plant can ensure a good night’s sleep. This plant unlike other plants, produces oxygen during the night. Clear air in the bedroom contributes to deeper sleep and reduces snoring symptoms.

Really?

I assume from the website on the label it is some sort of Bromelia. Do you believe the sales spiel?

BUDDHA PAINTING PROJECT

The Buddha painting project continues. With the textured areas now dry, it was time to pencil in the outline of the Buddha and some Lotus flowers. I have the painting bug again!

Painting and drawing, like gardening, offers a welcome escape from the drama.

How do you escape, or do you face it head-on?

That’s all from me this week, folks.

How was your week? Do tell and we’ll sit down and have a coffee.

What made you smile? Be sad or mad?

IF you are interested in health and wellness, do check out The #wellnessreimagined linkup.