Have you guys heard of the new term, "that girl"? Well apparently it's a way to describe a girl who wakes up at 5AM everyday, works out, does yoga, journals, makes a nutritious breakfast, drinks coffee, all before 7-8AM... Apparently, this is the best version of how to become successful, but I'm to tell you that it's skewing the image of health and wellness.
First, let me say that I am extremely proud of anyone that can wake up at 5AM and do all of that for themselves. This is NOT going to be a blog of me bashing anyone who does this if it actually works for them. It's truly outstanding that some people have the drive to do all of that before 60% of the population in the United States even wakes up. To further prove my unbiased opinion about this topic, there has been research done that exercising in the morning can improve productivity and optimism for your long day ahead. The endorphins or "happy chemicals" produced after your workout can elevate your mood throughout the rest of your day, which can lead to better results at school or work. (https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/when-should-you-exercise-morning-afternoon-or-night/). )
However, the reason why I believe being "that girl" is skewing the image of health and wellness is because it's telling young girls that THIS is the only way to achieve a healthier, better version of themselves. When it's not. You can become the best version of yourself and not wake up at 5AM everyday.
This lifestyle is not for everyone.
1. Some wake up at 6AM to go to commute to their office job.
2. Some wake up at 5AM to get to school in time.
3. Some work an all nighter and sleep in until 1PM the next day.
4. Some have three kids and have to wake up to their newborn each hour.
5. Some work two jobs and can't even make dinner for themselves.
6. Some are suffering from a deep depression that doesn't even allow them to wake up before noon.
7. Some have to pack lunches for all their kids in the morning and drive them all to school.
8. Some have exams at 8AM the next day and they spent 2 weeks cramming each day.
Do you understand where I'm going with this? This "that girl" mentality can harm those who already have it hard in life and are slowly losing the motivation to do anything for themselves, let alone exercise at 5AM.
I am here to tell you that you can achieve your highest, best version of yourself the way YOU want to. I want you to work on your health and wellness on your own terms. No matter how you do it, I promise you are going to do just as great as "that girl."
1. Want to exercise at 7PM after your long day of work? Do it.
2. Want to pick up a salad for lunch because you didn't have time to make one in the morning? Do it.
3. Want to squeeze in some journaling between your school lunch break? Do it.
4. Want to make yourself a quick smoothie for breakfast in the morning because you don't have time to sit down and eat a full meal? Do it.
5. Want to order groceries in because you don't have time to go during the week? Do it.
6. Want to meal prep all of your meals for the week on a Sunday night because otherwise you won't have time to cook the rest of the week? Do it.
7. Want to squeeze in a yoga session at night while your kids are finally asleep? Do it.
8. Want to eat a bowl of fruit in the middle of the day to get your daily intake of fruit in? Do it.
9. Want to go on a walk during your work lunch break? Do it.
There is no RIGHT way to become the best version of yourself. There is no set schedule, no set routine, no set way, to do IT. If you have a certain way of living, try to see how you can fit in healthy lifestyle habits on your own time, and nobody else's.
Want to become "that girl"? Go for it. I love that for you!
But I'm here to tell you that you can do it on your own time and in your own way.
