{ Sickness in My Year of Wellness }

My self-proclaimed Year of Wellness has started off with a couple icky bugs that left all members of my family unwell.  Fever, vomit, hacking coughs and lethargy have been unwanted house guests for much of the month.

It is times like these that have knocked me off track in the past. {When I fall off the health wagon, I tend to keep rolling downhill for a while.} Truth be told, there is always something that could distract me from following through on my wellness goals, especially now that I am responsible for multiple other beings other than myself.

I am starting to realize that there is no such thing as a "perfect time" to pursue a wellness goal. NOW is quite simply "the time." I refuse to let my procrastinating perfectionism get in the way of my health any longer.

The "fresh start" that I tend to seek doesn't need to begin next week, next month or next year when I can try yet again to follow through perfectly on a goal. The very next meal, the next activity, the next minute can be a perfect opportunity to make a positive step toward overall wellness.

I have been appreciating the daily tips from The Chopped Leaf 31-Day Challenge. These daily "baby steps" to wellness have been doable even as I have struggled with the sick "icks." A few of these simple-yet-beneficial tips were:

• drinking water before eating to help manage my caloric intake
• eating more seafood for a healthier hormonal balance and better sleep
• alternating between hot and cold water in the shower 
• choosing three top priorities for the day to increase focus and lower stress 
• incorporating more nuts in my diet for heart-healthy fats 
• eating more fibre-rich foods like chickpeas for lower cholesterol
• and more, like this one that came in handy on our 24-hour Christmas car trip

Day 1 and 2 @thechoppedleaf wellness challenges {on-the-go lunges & deep breathing app} have come in quite handy as I have been 12 hours in the vehicle with kids today. (Find challenge details and daily gift card draws through the bit.ly in my profile.) #turnoveranewleaf #wellnessovercoolness #mysonwasembarassed #bootsandlungesdontmix #noexcuses #saskmomgetsfit #travelwithkids #saskmomtravels

A photo posted by Laura (@saskmomdotcom) on Jan 2, 2017 at 4:03pm PST

It's not too late to get in on this challenge to turn over a new leaf and the daily chances to win Chopped Leaf gift cards. The daily tips rotate among the different Chopped Leaf social media platforms each day in January, so be sure to check back here each afternoon for a new tip and a new chance to win.

And, you definitely will want to share your positive changes with Chopped Leaf online or via e-mail by February 3 for a chance to win a grand prize valued at $2,500 that includes a $1,000 Chopped Leaf gift card, a year membership to GoodLife Fitness and more spa and wellness goodies.

Be well, friends!