Making Changes

         Most Covid restrictions have been lifted even at work. Not having to have masks all the time in the labs is a refreshing experience. It did make me realize a few other things. Among them is that the air in Utah sucks. The dry coughs and sneezes due to allergens haven't been the most exciting development. Alas, it is what it is.

         Unfortunately, the aftermath is relatively poor health compared to pre-pandemic levels. Long hours, being understaffed, and other shenanigans at work did take a toll on me.

         I am partially responsible for letting myself go during the past two years. On the scale, it says 170lbs. That is far from ideal for my height, and those extra weights are not pure muscles.

         According to the CDC, I should lose a good 15lbs to be in a healthier range. Well, back to working on myself. The good news is, the gym at work is no longer under Covid restrictions where we would have to schedule ahead of time, and only so many people can go at a time. I plan to return to my old schedule of 1.5 times a week (once one week and twice another).

         Aside from exercising more, there are some drastic changes I've been making in terms of diet and spending. For one, I am avoiding caffeinated drinks outside of work. That would cut my consumption by half. Cutting back will be helpful since I tend to drink the non-diet versions of drinks anyhow.

         I also want to cut back on eating out each month. My current spending on fast food is roughly equal to how much I spend on groceries each month. That number is currently around $180. I hope to shift that spending towards groceries and eat out less. That alone will reduce the garbage intake.

In short

         The first goal coming out of questionable policies is to restore health. I got myself a primary care physician for the first time in over a decade. Lucky for me, most of my stats (outside of that dang weight) are still relatively normal. So, there is still a chance for me to salvage my physical body. I'll probably check back with myself in six weeks and see how well I have improved (or not) trying to be healthier.